Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills’ 30-13 loss to the Miami Dolphins was a stark reminder that even division dominance isn’t guaranteed. What was supposed to be a routine bounce-back after a promising win over the Kansas City Chiefs turned into an offensive sputter and ended with a defensive collapse, allowing Miami to snap a seven-game losing streak against Buffalo.
The Dolphins racked up 197 rushing yards — led by De’Von Achane’s explosive 174 yards and two scores on the ground — while exploiting the Bills’ secondary and run defense. Quarterback Josh Allen threw for 306 yards and two touchdowns, but he was marred by a critical endzone interception and a fumble, contributing to three turnovers overall.
This loss drops the Bills to 6-3, two games behind the New England Patriots in the battle for the AFC East, and now fighting for a Wild Card spot in the AFC playoff picture. As Buffalo licks its wounds ahead of a home date with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s time to dissect the individual performances.
Who stepped up in the face of adversity, and who contributed heavily to the meltdown? Here’s my breakdown of the top three Bills trending up, the top three trending down, backed by key stats and advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus (PFF) and Next Gen Stats (NGS). I’ll also highlight honorable mentions, as usual.
Even in defeat, some Bills showed flashes of talent, providing bright spots in a forgettable afternoon.
Shakir continues to be Allen’s most dependable target, hauling in seven receptions on nine targets for 58 yards, leading Buffalo in catches, yards, and targets on a day when the offense sputtered for 90 yards in the first half. His 77.8% catch rate showed why he’s one of the few receivers Josh actually trusts, and he generated 3.8 yards after catch (YAC) per reception — second among Bills pass catchers.
Advanced metrics highlight Shakir’s upward trajectory: His 75.2 PFF receiving grade was strong, with an 89.4 NGS passer rating when targeted (top-10 for slot receivers with 30-plus targets this season). Shakir’s YAC kept drives alive, converting two of the three third downs he was involved in. As the Bills’ wide receiver corps continues to underwhelm, the former Boise State product’s consistency (now 45 catches, 554 yards on the year) positions him as the de facto WR1, especially with wide receiver Keon Coleman’s lack of dependability.
Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston, starting and playing the majority of snaps for the first time in cornerback Christian Benford’s absence, snagged his second interception in as many weeks — a pick on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s deep shot to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in the fourth quarter. He finished with four tackles, one pass defended, and, per Next Gen Stats, he held Waddle to just three receptions, 69 yards, and one touchdown, while covering him on...
