Bills vs. Jets Importance Heightened After Dolphins' Offensive Explosion

The Buffalo Bills are favorites to win the AFC East, but the Miami Dolphins made it clear a divisional title won't be a walk in the park.

Starting the season off on the right foot is always important. Facing a divisional rival to open the season only adds to the theatrics.

When the Buffalo Bills visit the New York Jets on Monday, they’ll be playing for a head start in the AFC East. The primetime window and the arrival of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers will capture the attention of the football world. However, Sunday’s slate of games should add even more urgency to Monday’s affair.

The Miami Dolphins beat the Los Angeles Chargers 36-34 at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. Simply put, Miami looked like a Super Bowl contender, especially on offense.

Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa put up 466 passing yards and three touchdowns while receiver Tyreek Hill caught 11 passes for 215 yards and two scores.

Miami was able to attack Los Angeles’ secondary by creatively employing the speed on the league’s fastest offense. That’s nothing new. But head coach Mike McDaniel showed he can counterpunch against the league’s defensive adjustments that limited his offense down the stretch in 2022.

It’s early, and there’s plenty of time for the league to figure out how to best stop this rendition of the Dolphins’ offense, but this is not a team to play catch up with—whether it be in a game or in the standings.

Every team wants to start 1-0, though it’s hard to imagine Buffalo not needing this win. The AFC East is a legitimate three-team race, and the New England Patriots’ defense can keep them competitive with Super Bowl contenders week in and week out.

Stealing divisional wins, while on the road, could set the Bills apart. It’s clear they can’t count on any team in this division to make life easier for them.