The Miami Dolphins are set to make a much-anticipated return to Thursday Night Football in 2024, delighting fans with a home game spectacle in Week 2. This early season clash will see them facing off against the Buffalo Bills, rekindling the fierce AFC East competition. The significance of this home game is not lost on Dolphins aficionados, particularly given the team’s recent history of away games in this primetime slot.
Historically speaking, the Dolphins have more often than not, found themselves on the road for Thursday night matches, with six out of their last seven games away from home — the lone exception being a victorious 22-10 encounter against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.
A HOME ADVANTAGE ON THURSDAY NIGHTS
While some might argue that hosting the Bills in September’s prime-time removes the Dolphins’ climatic edge, historical records suggest a different story, especially for games on short rest. Excluding the season opener, last season saw home teams dominating Thursday nights with an 11-5 record, marking a significant improvement over the previous season’s 7-9.
More so, the Dolphins can draw confidence from last season’s 5-0 record where home teams in Thursday night matchups between previous year’s playoff contenders swept victories. Instances include the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys all securing wins at home.
As the Dolphins prepare to host the Bills on September 12 at Hard Rock Stadium, these statistics are bound to be an encouraging omen, particularly when considering the teams’ 2023 playoff status.
DOLPHINS’ THURSDAY NIGHT LEGACY AT HOME
Miami’s overall Thursday night record stands at 8-9, but a deeper dive reveals a formidable 6-2 home streak. This includes three consecutive victories, notably marked by a memorable “Wake-Off” win against the Bengals on Halloween 2013, thanks to Cameron Wake’s game-winning overtime safety.
The last home defeat on a Thursday for Miami traces back to 2010, a shutout loss to the Chicago Bears, a game where injuries forced them to rely on third-string quarterback Tyler Thigpen.
The comprehensive history of Thursday night appearances at home for the Dolphins is a tale of resilience and exceptional performances, setting the stage for another thrilling chapter in 2024 against the Bills.
Anticipation is high as the Dolphins look to extend their impressive home game performance on Thursday nights, a factor that could be critical in their 2024 campaign.