Miami heads to Buffalo as 12-point underdogs, the largest regular-season line of McDaniel's tenure, a testing backdrop for a season that started with a stumble. The matchup spotlights Miami's knack for staying competitive in tight spots even when dismissed, turning tough nights into potential turnarounds and setting the stage for a midseason push.

Past clashes with Buffalo—especially close losses and a 2022 playoff appearance with Skylar Thompson stepping in for Tua Tagovailoa—illustrate a blueprint: keep it tight, resist the blowout, and seize late-game chances. If history rhymes, a competitive showing could spark a tangible shift and a mini-upset narrative for fantasy and bets alike.

A veteran anchor in Calais Campbell and a willingness to ride this season out rather than cash out could frame the defense for a late surge. The path to relevance for fantasy managers rests on efficiency, a solid plan against Buffalo's defense, and the intangible momentum of an underdog story turning hopeful again.

Buffalo marches into Week 3 riding a 2-0 start and a favorable three-game homestand that could set up a 3-0 sweep in the AFC East before a November test with Kansas City. James Cook’s 132-yard, two-TD day underscored a balanced attack, while Josh Allen managed an efficient performance without needing Superman-level numbers. The defense limited the Jets’ chances, keeping Buffalo in control and widening the gap in the division. For fantasy managers, Cook’s rising workload, continued rushing floor from Allen, and the Bills’ multi-faceted approach stand out as clear signals to prioritize Bills assets in the near term.

Buffalo’s path remains grounded in a ground-and-stop-the-run philosophy, with Trubisky providing a brief, supportive spark but not altering the core plan. The looming Week 3 clash with Miami adds a meaningful test, yet the overall setup favors Buffalo’s fantasy ceiling: Cook as a strong RB2 with upside, Allen’s rushing floor, and a defense that can win scenarios without heavy quarterback scoring.