Bills at Dolphins: 8 storylines to follow in Week 2

It’s Wednesday so the Buffalo Bills are now turning their attention to their next opponent. This week, it so happens to be their first AFC East game of 2021.

After falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, the Bills now head to Miami to face the Dolphins.

With that, here are eight storylines to follow as Week 2 approaches:

Will the Bills feel the pressure?

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

The Dolphins at 1-0 heading into Week 2? Not the biggest shocker. They faced the Patriots last week, but it was a good win on the road in a game that could've gone either way. However, that combined with the Bills and everyone else in the AFC East losing? That does put a little added pressure... How do the Bills handle that?

Josh Allen's dominance of the Dolphins

Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Allen has more than handled the Dolphins in his career. In fact, if it wasn't for a drop in the end zone by then-Bill Charles Clay, he would be undefeated against them. And if that doesn't do it for you: Allen has won the AFC Offensive Player of the Year Award six times in his career. Three came against the Dolphins.

Revenge game?

Bills running back Antonio Williams Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The Bills had little to play for in Week 17 last year. The Dolphins had every reason to win... and lost 56-26. In South Beach, players are going to be asked about getting some revenge while in Orchard Park the sentiment will be prepping for that... in addition to not falling to 0-2.

Tua or nothing

Bills linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) Credit: USAT Photo

Speaking of that finale contest... it was the first installment of "Tua or nothing." In 2020, the Dolphins had former Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick as his backup and a couple of times he saved the day for the Fins. However, prior to their last meeting, Fitzpatrick tested positive for COVID-19 and couldn't play, leaving Tua Tagovailoa on his own. ... And you know how those results went. The QB got the win last week without Fitzpatrick, at least.

Battles in the trenches

Bills center Mitch Morse (60) Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Both offensive lines will be focal points in Week 2. For the Dolphins, improving their O-line was a priority this offseason and between last week and the preseason... some mixed results. Meanwhile, the Bills had an awful, penalty-filled day on their offensive line in Week 1. Whichever offensive line improves more might be the difference maker.

Turnover game

Bills safety Micah Hyde. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

The Bills defense played well against the Steelers in Week 1. They kept their offense off the board completely in the first half and the game-deciding scoring was on special teams. But the Bills need to improve in this area, both on offense and defense. A takeaway or two is always nice from a defensive perspective. Offensively, the Bills had four total fumbles, losing one of those, plus their special teams miscue, against the Steelers. In regard to the Dolphins in Week 1. Tagovailoa had an ugly interception, however, their defense did take away the ball twice. Of their two forced fumbles, one from cornerback Xavien Howard iced the game.

Test ahead for playmakers

Bills receiver Stefon Diggs (USAT photo)

The Steelers defense was a tough test for the Bills in Week 1. However, they thrive on their excellent pass rush. The Dolphins are no slouches in the trenches themselves, but their secondary stands out much more. That group is highlighted by defensive backs Bryan Jones, Jason McCourty, Noah Igbinoghene and Howard. The Bills' wideouts of Stefon Diggs & Co. are going to have their hands full.

First time on the road in awhile

Bills fans hold up a flag in the stands during the first half between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Miami sports fans aren't exactly known as being the most passionate. They certainly are no Bills Mafia. Still, it's the Bills' first road game of 2021... after they faced opponents with limited to no fans in their stands last year due to COVID-19. The Bills will be prepared for that.

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