Week 3 of the 2025 NFL season is here and we’ll be treated to an AFC East showdown featuring the Miami Dolphins visiting the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo enters as a heavy 11.5-point home favorite, with an over/under of 49.5. The Bills are trying to jump out to a fast 3-0 start to the campaign while the Dolphins are trying to avoid falling into an 0-3 hole.
Below we will take a look at the best DFS plays for this Thursday night showdown.
James Cook, RB, Bills (FLEX $11,600, CPT $17,400)
Cook has picked up from where he left off last season and is currently fourth in the NFL in rushing heading into Week 3. He was a true workhorse back for the Bills in their 30-10 victory over the Jets this past Sunday, taking 21 carries for 132 yards and two touchdowns, earning 20 fantasy points for DFS managers. On a short week, I expect the Bills to keep things simple by feeding the Pro Bowler once again and that makes him worthy of being placed at the very top of your lineups.
Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins (FLEX $11,000, $CPT 16,500)
After a ho-hum Week 1 where he was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, Hill did his part with six receptions for 109 yards in the Dolphins’ 33-27 loss to the Patriots last Sunday. The veteran proved that he can still turn in a strong performance as Tua Tagovailoa’s go-to option even as Miami’s 2025 campaign already appears to be unraveling. I expect them to try to get the ball into Cheetah’s hands as much as possible in order to give themselves a shot at pulling off a massive Thursday-night upset on the road.
Bills Defense (FLEX $7,400, CPT $11,100)
Buffalo’s defense has been disruptive through two weeks and this Thursday-night home tilt is setting up to be a favorable matchup for the unit. Per Pro Football Focus, Tua Tagovailoa’s average time to throw ranks 32nd in the NFL through two weeks and he has the misfortunate of going up against a Bills defense that has the second-highest sack rate in the league at 11.32%. Considering that Miami is also dealing with injuries on the right side of its offensive line, there’s an opportunity here for Buffalo to really tee off on the Dolphins QB with multiple sacks and possibly a few turnovers.
Matt Prater, K, Bills (FLEX $7,000, CPT $10,500)
Prater has been money since joining the Bills 48 hours before the start of the season, going a perfect 6-6 on field goal attempts and 5-5 on extra points. Considering the potency of the offense and the opportunity for the defense to create turnovers, there could be plenty of scoring opportunities here for the veteran leg.
Joshua Palmer, WR, Bills (FLEX $5,400, CPT $8,100)
Palmer has been a reliable pass-catcher for Buffalo through the first two weeks of the regular season, hauling in seven of 12 targets for 108 yards. While he hasn’t had an explosive day in fantasy just yet, he’s a relatively cheap option that could pay dividends if he takes one of those receptions to the end zone for a score.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR, Dolphins (FLEX $4,600, CPT $6,900)
Westbrook-Ikhine has only gotten a smattering of looks for the Dolphins through two games, catching three passes for 25 yards. However, Jaylen Waddle is dealing with a shoulder injury ahead of the matchup and there’s a chance that he could step up for the offense if he’s not 100%. It wouldn’t be a bad option to take a flyer on NWI and buy low on him for this matchup.
