Dolphins vs. Bills final score, results: Buffalo hangs on in turnover-filled game, advances to divisional round

David Suggs

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Dolphins vs. Bills final score, results: Buffalo hangs on in turnover-filled game, advances to divisional round image

The Bills are headed to the AFC divisional round after surviving a Dolphin-shaped scare, holding on to edge Miami 34-31 on Sunday.

It was a matchup billed by many as a potential shellacking. The Fins were down to their third-string quarterback and second-string running back after injuries decimated the roster.

And things seemed to be going as swimmingly as one would expect for Buffalo early. Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and Dawson Knox tore Miami's defense to shreds in the opening frame, building a 17-point advantage at one point.

MORE: Why potential Stefon Diggs TD catch wasn't reviewed in Bills vs. Dolphins

But the Dolphins — and their underdog signal-caller, Skylar Thompson — kept things close. A couple of Bills miscues shortened the field for Mike McDaniel's side and opened the door for the Dolphins to make a rally.

Soon enough, the game was tied. Thompson was far from efficient on Sunday — he completed just 18 of 45 passes — but he made a handful of solid throws that ended up in the hands of Miami receivers.

MORE: Potential opponents for Bills in divisional round

Allen was his typically stoic self, save for a brief blow-up after a second-quarter interception. And although he wasn't particularly careful with the ball — his three turnovers (two interceptions, one fumble) were the foundation of Miami's comeback — he made the plays required to get the job done.

It wasn't a particularly smooth display by the AFC's No. 2 seed, but in the postseason, it's all about survival and advancing. The Bills did that.

The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Dolphins vs. Bills on Sunday. Read below for complete results from the 2023 NFL wild-card playoff game.

MORE: Watch NFL playoff games live with fuboTV (free trial)

Dolphins vs. Bills score

  1 2 3 4 F
Dolphins 0 17 7 7 31
Bills 14 6 14 0 34

Dolphins vs. Bills live updates, highlights from 2023 NFL playoff game

(All times Eastern)

End of fourth quarter: Bills 34, Dolphins 31

4:54 p.m.: The ruling on the field stands! Buffalo is going to win the game!

4:51 p.m.: What an effort by Devin Singletary on third down! He brings himself right to the brink of the first down marker. Looks like he might be a mere few inches short.

4:45 p.m.: TURNOVER ON DOWNS! Elam breaks up Thompson's throw to Gesicki, giving the ball back to the Bills with a little over two minutes left.

4:43 p.m.: Oh dear. A really bad game of delay by Thompson on fourth down sets the Dolphins back five yards. That is a real killer.

4:41 p.m.: Waddle with an impressive grab to gain some yardage back after a less-than-ideal false start.

4:38 p.m.: What a grab by Waddle, who fights through the contact to make a huge gain and move the chains on third down. He hasn't been involved too much today. But that's among Miami's biggest plays today.

4:36 p.m.: Thompson counting his lucky stars here. His attempted pass towards Hill ended up in Buffalo hands, until Hill knocked it away. That was a close one.

4:33 p.m.: Miami's defense firms up, sacking Allen on back-to-back plays (one of which was a strip sack) to give themselves a chance.

Dolphins get the ball back.

4:30 p.m.: Unreal catch by Shakir on third-and-one, who stretched all the way back to nab Allen's 31-yard beauty.

4:27 p.m.: After a trio of minimal gains, it seemed as if the Fins were going to go for it. However, before the ball was snapped, Sean McDermott got a timeout in.

Miami reconsidered, booting the ball back to Buffalo instead.

4:21 p.m.: Sieler makes yet another big play on the line, forcing Allen down as the Bills are forced to punt.

Dolphins have a chance to take the lead here, if they play their cards right.

4:15 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Wilson leaps over the top to cut Buffalo's lead to three.

Bills 34, Dolphins 31

4:12 p.m.: The Dolphins get a little tricky with the play call, handing a jet sweep off to Waddle, who barrels towards the goal. He's stopped just short of the goal-line, setting up a first and goal.

4:10 p.m.: Thompson hits Ahmed to get the first on third and long. Wonderful throw and catch  by the duo.

End of third quarter: Bills 34, Dolphins 24

4:04 p.m.: Things have already gotten a bit chippy between the AFC East foes. Tempers might've flared slightly once more, with Milano sending Thompson into his own sideline with a little force.

Looks like the hit started when Thompson was in bounds, so it won't be whistled for anything. Still, a play that certainly had some on the Miami bench scratching their heads.

4:03 p.m.: Hill has been Thompson's go-to receiver thus far. Just notched another catch, his seventh of the day.

3:59 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Deft throw by Allen, a sumptuous catch by Davis, and another score for the Bills. What could be better?

Bills 34, Dolphins 24

3:57 p.m.: Impressive intermediate route by Beasley on third down, who slips past his marker en route to a 29-yard gain on the play.

The veteran is making some big things happen at the moment.

3:55 p.m.: Allen and Quntin Morris connect to open Buffalo's drive with a first down.

3:54 p.m.: A close call for the Bills, as Nyheim Hines muffs the punt return. Fortunately for them, Tyrel Dodson is Johnny on the spot to recover the loose ball.

3:53 p.m.: Thompson and company aren't able to make anything shake on the ensuing drive, sending the ball back to Buffalo.

3:45 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Allen hits Beasley from short range, who dives into the end zone as the Bills regain the lead! From out of the league to back on the scoresheet. Doesn't get much better than that.

Bills 27, Dolphins 24

3:44 p.m.: Wonderful tuck and run by Allen, who takes it through the tackles to move the chains on third down. That's what superstars do.

3:40 p.m.: INTERCEPTION! A poor decision by Thompson leads to a Dolphins giveaway! The youngster takes a chance on third down and lofts a pass right into the grasp of cornerback Kaiir Elam. Major play there!

3:35 p.m.: Three and out brings the ball back to the Fins.

3:32 p.m.: Another dot by Thompson, although it takes a slight deflection before reaching Gesicki and ends up falling to the turf. The Miami QB has gotten rather unlucky, all things considered.

Either way, the ball is headed back to the Bills.

3:30 p.m.: Thompson is making some lovely throws at the moment. He drops another one into Waddle's lap, but Buffalo's secondary does well to break things up.

Still, he's played far better than his 10-of-26 stat line would suggest.

3:25 p.m.: Miami's defense is looking different so far. Allen slips a nice throw to Knox, but the ball is dislodge by a pair of Dolphins defenders. Buffalo sending the ball back in the other direction.

3:19 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Eric Rowe slams Allen into the turf, jarring the ball loose in the process. It then falls into the hands of defensive tackle Zach Sieler, who picks it up and takes it into the end zone for a touchdown! The Dolphins take their first lead of the game.

Dolphins 24, Bills 20

3:17 p.m.: Dolphins open the third with a three-and-out on their first possession.

End of second quarter: Bills 20, Dolphins 17

2:59 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Bass sinks the chip shot as Buffalo regains its three-point edge.

Bills 20, Dolphins 17

2:57 p.m.: Diggs nearly made the catch of the year, stretching with the left hand to make a one handed grab before pulling it in. However, he wasn't able to reel in control, with the pass being ruled an incompletion.

Bass trotting on the field for the kick.

2:54 p.m.: Allen making quick work with this Miami defense to move the ball into field goal position.

2:50 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Thompson hits Gesicki for the TD, who proceeds to hit that wonderful griddy he's known for .

Hill reels in the subsequent two point conversion and this game is (somehow) tied up.

Bills 17, Dolphins 17

2:48 p.m.: Thompson hits Ahmed and Hill on back-to-back plays to get the ball inside the 10-yard line. Huge opportunity for the Fins.

2:46 p.m.: INNTERCEPTION! Allen tries to hit Cole Beasley, who deflects the ball right into the path of Devon Holland for the interception. Holland with a major return, as well, taking it well into Bills territory. Miami's defense is turning up the squeeze.

2:45 p.m.: Allen hits Knox for the 11-yard gain to open the drive.

2:42 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Sanders sinks his third field goal of the quarter, bringing the game to a one-score deficit. 1:15 left for the Bills to add to their advantage.

Bills 17, Dolphins 9

2:41 p.m.: Hill makes the grab after Thompson fires it behind the defenders head. It seemed he had given himself a chance to get the first, although officials ruled that he was stopped two yards short of the marker.

2:38 p.m.: BIG RETURN! That's called flipping the field! Cedrick Wilson Jr. finds a hole in Buffalo's punt coverage and takes it 50 yards to the Bills' 27. With a little over 1:30 left in the half, this might represent Miami's best chance to find the end zone.

2:35 p.m.: Allen airs it out once more, this time hitting Shakir for the big gain. It looks like he dropped the ball as he dismounted, though, cutting the drive to a close.

2:28 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Sanders splits the uprights to cut Buffalo's lead to 11.

Bills 17, Dolphins 6

2:26 p.m.: Tremaine Edmunds flies into Miami running back Salvon Ahmed, jarring the ball loose on third down. Sanders headed back on the field.

2:22 p.m.: What a play by Jeff Wilson Jr., who evades Milano's tackle on fourth down before finding the edge and getting to the first down marker. Big play by the former 49er.

2:17 p.m.: INTERCEPTION! Allen goes at Howard once more. Not a great idea, though. Howard makes a sublime over the shoulder grab at the goal line before taking it to midfield. Impressive play by the star corner.

Looks like Allen got into it with Christian Wilkins at the end of the play, prompting a brief melee between Buffalo and Miami's offensive and defensive lines, respectively. Some laundry being left on the field as a result of the brawl.

2:11 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Things sputtered for the Fins, bringing Jason Sanders to the field. The veteran kicker finds the target from 40 yards out.

Bills 17, Dolphins 3

2:10 p.m.: Wonderful work from Thomspon, who extends the play before hitting Hill for the 20-yard gain to keep the drive going.

2:09 p.m.: Buffalo's defense turning up the heat! Brings pressure on back-to-back plays, the second one resulting in a Matt Milano sack. Third and long on the cards for Miami. Big time play here.

2:07 p.m.: The Fins got things moving on this drive. Three straight first downs to move the ball into Bills territory. Perhaps a spark is loading?

2:03 p.m.: FIELD GOAL! Tyler Bass nails the field goal from short range to add onto Buffalo's lead.

Bills 17, Dolphins 0

2:00 p.m.: ...And Allen goes down on the sack! Field goal unit coming out for the Bills.

1:59 p.m.: The touchdown is overturned. Unfortunate. That'll be third down.

1:55 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN:...maybe. Allen scrambles right before firing a dart right into Knox's path for the score. However, the ball may have grazed the turf as he was going down. The play is under review but it might be overturned.

1:54 p.m.: Diggs makes another nice grab as Buffalo moves into the red zone. The Maryland alum is cooking with gas so far — he's already hit the century mark.

End of first quarter: Bills 14, Dolphins 0

1:48 p.m.: Allen is balling. 9-of-10 with 141 yards and a TD to start. And he just reached over the first down marker to move that chains and bring Buffalo into Miami territory...again.

1:43 p.m.: Allen slips a pass into Gabe Davis' wicket, who stoops low to make the grab. That will be a first down.

1:39 p.m.: Thompson with another wonderful lob to Waddle. However, the ball is knocked out of his hands to force another Miami punt. Thompson has made some solid throws in the first, but for one reason or another, they have tended to fall to the ground more often than not.

1:36 p.m.: Thompson hit Gesicki on the curl route to move the chains on third down. Big comeback play by the rookie after his pick.

1:34 p.m.: You have to imagine that this Miami offense has to get things going sooner rather than later, especially with the firepower Buffalo carries. Wilson with a solid six yard gain to start things in Drive No. 3.

1:29 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The read-option proves deceptive for the Bills, with Allen handing the ball off to James Cook, who proceeds to scamper into the end zone from 12 yards out.

Bills 14, Dolphins 0

1:25 p.m.: INTERCEPTION! Dean Marlowe sneaks in front of Tyreek Hill to scoop up Thompson's errant pass. That will flip the field, giving Buffalo an excellent chance to add to its early lead.

1:20 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Sensational throw and catch between Allen and Dawson Knox opens the scoring for Buffalo. What a play!

Bills 7, Dolphins 0

1:18 p.m.: Diggs does it again! Burns past Howard on another go route for 52 yards on third down. What a play by the All-Pro caliber wideout.

1:17 p.m.: The Diggs-Xavien Howard matchup is trending in Diggs' direction early. Finds some more space beyond the Fins' star corner and makes a 20 yard-grab-and-dash.

1:13 p.m.: Waddle will really be regretting that one — the Fins send the ball back to Buffalo after failing to pick up the first on third down.

1:11 p.m.: Thompson tosses a beautiful lofted ball to Jaylen Waddle, who simply drops it. Shocking result by one of the best wideouts in football.

1:08 p.m.: TURNOVER ON DOWNS: Allen whistles his sideline throw just wide of Shakir's grasp, handing the ball back to Miami.

1:07 p.m.: Allen tucks it and runs on third down, but fumbles it just short of the line. The ball skews out of play, but that will be fourth down.

1:05 p.m.: Allen looks in a rhythm early. Finds Khalil Shakir and Diggs on back-to-back plays, moving the chains with each throw. Buffalo already inside the Dolphins' 40.

1:03 p.m.: Allen airs the ball out on the very first play, looking for Stefon Diggs on the go route. Just an inch away from him. Defensive holding penalty will move the ball forward, though.

1:00 p.m.: The ball is kicked off and here we go! Josh Allen and the Bills take the field.

12:35 p.m.: Can't think of many better dancing wide receiver rooms than the Dolphins.

12:25 p.m.: Players from both teams headed out on the field. I'm shivering just looking at it.

12:20 p.m.: Looks like a smattering of Dolphins fans made the trip to chilly Buffalo for today's game. Can't imagine they're feeling too warm at the moment.

12:15 p.m.: Based on this tweet from Hamlin, it seems he's going to be watching along from home.

12:00 p.m.: ...or maybe not. Per AP, Hamlin hasn't yet made his choice on whether he'll make the trip to Highmark. One to watch, for sure.

11:30 a.m.: Looks like a special guest will be making an appearance at today's game:

Dolphins vs. Bills start time

  • Date: Sunday, Jan. 15
  • Time: 1 p.m. ET

Dolphins vs. Bills will kick off at 1 p.m. ET from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.

What channel is Dolphins vs. Bills on today?

  • TV network (national): CBS
  • Live streams: Paramount+, fuboTV (U.S.) | DAZN (Canada)

The Dolphins-Bengals matchup will be broadcast nationally on CBS, with Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analysis) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter) working the game.

Streaming options for the game include Paramount+ and fuboTV, which offers a free trial. Canada viewers can watch the game with a DAZN subscription, which includes every NFL game.

NFL playoff schedule: Wild-card round

Saturday, Jan. 14

Matchup Result
Seahawks at 49ers SF 41, SEA 23
Chargers at Jaguars JAC 31, LAC 30

Sunday, Jan. 15

Matchup Time (ET) TV
Dolphins at Bills 1 p.m. CBS, fuboTV
Giants at Vikings 4:30 p.m. Fox, fuboTV
Ravens at Bengals 8:15 p.m. NBC, fuboTV

Monday, Jan. 16

Matchup Time (ET) TV
Cowboys at Buccaneers 8:15 p.m. ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, fuboTV

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.