Bills vs. Dolphins preview: Predictions, odds, and how to watch Sunday's game

The final week of the NFL regular season caps off with an AFC East showdown on Sunday Night Football. The Miami Dolphins (11-5) take on the Buffalo Bills (10-6) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Two months ago, the Bills lost 24-22 to the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football and looked out of the AFC playoff picture. Since then, Buffalo's rattled off five wins in six games - the sole loss coming in overtime on the road against Philadelphia. Last week's win over the New England Patriots means the Bills can win the AFC East title with a win on Sunday Night Football. The offense had a season-low 281 yards last week but the defense had one of its best games of the year in generating five takeaways.

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The Dolphins have had control of the division lead for much of the season but last week was Miami's worst loss of the year, a 56-19 drubbing against the AFC-leading Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had his worst passer rating of the season (71.9) and the defense gave up season highs in points and yards (491). Miami's top pass rusher, linebacker Bradley Chubb, suffered a season-ending knee injury in the loss as well.

Miami has clinched a playoff spot regardless of the outcome of Sunday Night Football. If the Dolphins win, they're the no. 2 seed in the AFC with a division title. If the Bills win, they will be the no. 2 seed with the division title and the Dolphins will be the no. 5 or no. 6 seed depending on the outcome of the Cleveland Browns-Cincinnati Bengals game. If the Bills lose, they need the Pittsburgh Steelers or Jacksonville Jaguars to lose or tie in their Week 18 games or the Houston Texans-Indianapolis Colts matchup to end in a tie to clinch a wild card spot.

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Week 18: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins predictions

Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Bills 27, Dolphins 24

Sal Maiorana writes: "Buffalo is going to need to play much better on offense than it has the last two weeks when it barely did enough to beat the Chargers and Patriots. Ultimately, I think it’s going to be a tight, tense and uncomfortable night but the Bills will find a way to win."

Palm Beach Post: Dolphins 23, Bills 21

Lorenzo Reyes says: "I understand this pick may seem illogical, but if Miami plays loose — something it hasn’t done recently — and if the Bills continue to turn the ball over, the Dolphins could pull off the upset here."

Sun Sentinel: Dolphins 24, Bills 20

Kathy Laughlin writes: "The Dolphins are awfully dinged up, and the Bills have won their past four games (including wins against the Cowboys and Chiefs). That said, Buffalo’s offense didn’t look great against New England last Sunday, and most importantly: The Dolphins are at home, where they have only lost one game this season. The embarrassment against the Ravens should be highly motivating for Miami."

Pickswise: Dolphins +3

John Martin says: "Squeaking out wins over the Chargers with Easton Stick and then against the Patriots doesn’t do much to inspire confidence. I also believe that Mike McDaniel is a superior coach to Sean McDermott. The Bills may win the game, but given their injuries and relatively underwhelming season, I’ll take the 3 points with the home team in the Miami Dolphins."

How to watch the Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins: TV channel and streaming info

The Buffalo Bills kick off against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Jan. 7, at 8:20 p.m., ET, on NBC. The game can also be streamed on NFL+ and the NBC Sports App.

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Week 18: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins odds, betting lines

The Bills are favored to defeat the Dolphins and win the AFC East, according to the BetMGM NFL odds, as of Saturday afternoon.

• Spread: Bills (-3)

• Moneyline: Bills (-160); Dolphins (+135)

• Over/under: 50.5

Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

Week 18: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins injury news

Buffalo Bills:

Miami Dolphins:

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bills vs. Dolphins predictions, odds, injury news for Sunday's game