Miami Dolphins’ losing streak vs. rival Buffalo is about to end. And here’s why

GREG COTE’S NFL WEEK 2 THURSDAY PICK

DOLPHINS THIS WEEK

BILLS (1-0) at DOLPHINS (1-0)

Line: MIA by 2 1/2.

Cote’s pick: MIA, 27-23.

TV: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Prime Video.

The Dolphins are are exceptionally tight-knit team that was given a reason to draw even closer with Sunday’s unnecessary and violently ugly detainment of star Tyreek Hill over a traffic stop outside the stadium. The controversy and internal review over the Miami-Dade police overreaction and abuse of power continue, and I believe intangibles like this can effect a team — positively in this case. With that backdrop and a prime-time home stage vs. a nemesis rival, the Fins will come out absolutely amped Thursday night. And the home-field advantage will be magnified with Hard Rock rockin’ as the Fins display their popular aqua throwback jerseys. There will be no sluggish start as there was in Week 1, when Miami needed a second-half rally to edge Jacksonville, while Buffalo also struggled to beat Arizona. The Dolphins are 13-11 all time on Thursday nights including a split vs. the Buffs in 2012 and ‘14. Ten years later this meeting finds the Dolphins on a four-game series losing streak with 11 losses in the past 12 meetings. Ouch. That makes this a Litmus test for this young season, because the AFC East-champ Bills are the one team Miami must learn to beat. Fins also must show they can beat quality foes, with 10 of 11 wins last year coming against teams that finished with a losing record. In addition to the home field Miami owns the revenge factor after last year’s crucial 21-14 home loss to end the regular season is what sent the Fins flying to sub-freezing Kansas City for a decisive playoff loss. Miami will win Thursday. Ex-Bills safety Jordan Poyer and the Dolphins defense will force at least one turnover from Josh Allen, and Tua Tagovailoa will have another big passing game vs. a Buffs secondary missing cornerback Taron Johnson. Running back injuries are an issue for Miami with Raheem Mostert out and De’Von Achane iffy, but depth is reasonably good with Jeff Wilson Jr. and the likely season debut of promising rookie Jaylen Wright. Arizona last week mauled the Bills run-D for 162 yards on only 21 carries and, with the Bison needing to emphasize deep coverage vs. Miami’s air game, running lanes should again be open. One last thing about that current 1-11 Dolphins skid vs. Buffalo entering this Game of the Week-quality matchup: Ever hear of the law of averages? It’s a thing. And it’s Miami’s turn.

Note: Betting line courtesy ESPNBet as of midday Wednesday.