Why to watch:
The second half of the season will be a series of weekly dogfights in the AFC East. The division boasts four teams that had at least six wins at midseason, and the final eight weeks will feature seven meetings between those four clubs. This is the first one, and it should be a dandy.

The Dolphins are tied with the in-state rival Jaguars for the NFL's best record at 7-1. Miami will be intent on avenging its only defeat, a 23-18 loss to Buffalo on Monday Night Football in Week 4. You might remember that game caused coach Jimmy Johnson to publicly question the decision-making of QB Dan Marino, who threw two interceptions and had a very costly fumble. Marino will be watching from the sideline this week as Damon Huard tries to improve to 4-0 as the Dolphins' starting quarterback.

The "Miami Vise" defense might be the best in the league. The Dolphins haven't allowed an opposing offense to score a touchdown in their last 14 quarters and have given up just 22 points in their last three games.

The Bills appear to have snapped out of their midseason funk with an impressive 34-17 victory at Washington last week. Buffalo plays its next three games against divisional opponents before getting a bye in early December. With a win here, the Bills could start a playoff push and gain a tiebreaker over the Dolphins by sweeping the season series.

Who to watch:
As usual, the Dolphins will try to establish the run with rookie RBs Cecil Collins and James Johnson -- although that duo combined for just 50 yards on 25 carries last week against the Titans. Huard is operating in a conservative air attack, and he has thrown only one interception in his three starts. Dolphins WR Tony Martin has replaced O.J. McDuffie as Miami's leading receiver with 36 catches for 610 yards and three TDs.

The real entertainment in this matchup will be watching Miami's speedy defense try to chase down Bills QB Doug Flutie. The elusive Flutie is averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Bills WR Eric Moulds, who returned to the lineup last week, has scored at least one TD in each of his last three meetings with Miami. Dolphins CB Sam Madison, who had three interceptions last week, will try to keep Moulds quiet in what should be a terrific matchup.

Bills RBs Antowain Smith and Jonathan Linton combined for 164 rushing yards last week, apparently benefitting greatly from Moulds' return. The Bills offensive line will again try to hold Dolphins DE Jason Taylor and Rich Owens at bay. Miami mustered just one sack of Flutie in the Week 4 meeting. Bills LB John Holecek, who's battling a knee injury, made two big defensive plays in that win at Miami.

Dolphins' numbers to know:
Miami's streak of 14 consecutive quarters without allowing an offensive touchdown is the longest in the NFL since 1993. The Dolphins have not allowed an opposing offense to reach the end zone since New England in the second quarter Oct. 17. However, the Fish did allow the Eagles to return an interception for a touchdown two weeks ago.

	INJURY REPORT
	Dolphins: OUT: QB Dan Marino (cervical nerve root). QUESTIONABLE: S Calvin Jackson (hamstring). PROBABLE: G Mark Dixon (groin); TE Troy Drayton (toe). Bills: OUT: TE Sheldon Jackson (ankle); G Joe Panos (neck); RB Thurman Thomas (liver contusion). QUESTIONABLE: LB John Holecek (knee).

Bills' numbers to know:
Buffalo ranks No. 2 in the NFL in rushing, averaging 129.8 yards per game on the ground. However, the Dolphins boast the NFL's No. 2 run defense, giving up just 80.0 yards per contest. The unit that lives up to its reputation Sunday will probably lead its team to victory.

What it means:
We'll get a little clarity on the race in the NFL's most competitive division. The Dolphins could establish themselves as the divisional favorites with a victory. But a Buffalo victory would scramble the race even more and give the Bills some real momentum.

As always in the AFC East, every divisional game could eventually become a key tiebreaker in either the race for the division title or a wild-card spot. This one is certainly no different.

Sean Salisbury's breakdown
Dolphins' game plan:
Miami does a solid job of protecting Huard and doesn't ask him to make the bulk of the plays. The Dolphins will use play-action fakes, run the football, keep the game close, kick field goals and win. That won't change. They will play close to the vest, but take a few chances when they have an opportunity. Huard will look at two options in the passing game and then take off running. His mobility is a good dimension to have, and he's proven he can play.

But without Marino, the Dolphins are limiting part of their offense. Marino sees and uses the whole field in the passing game. Against Buffalo, the Dolphins will allow Huard to make good decisions. He is still in the learning process. So they will run the football and be conservative in the passing game. If the Dolphins can score 17 to 20 points, the defense is good enough to win.

The Dolphins defense can't let Flutie break containment. They must be disciplined enough to keep him in the pocket. He can make plays from there, but the big plays mostly occur when he breaks containment and the Dolphins cornerbacks are in man-to-man coverage. No matter how good they are, no cornerback can be expected to cover a receiver for five seconds. Eventually, Moulds and Andre Reed would be able to create separation. Miami will pressure, try to contain Flutie and blitz him inside. The Dolphins will force people into his face and not let him get on the perimeter.

Bills' game plan:
The Buffalo offense will be challenged at the line of scrimmage, so they need to make big plays. The advantage is Flutie can buy time with his feet. Last week, the Dolphins showed what they could do against a fast quarterback in Steve McNair. The Bills know the Dolphins will play man-to-man coverage. Their goal must be rhythm passing and taking at least eight shots down the field.

If Flutie sees press man-to-man coverage, he should be licking his chops; that's what every good quarterback likes to see. I expect him to throw downfield to Moulds and Reed. Even though Madison and Buckley are good cornerbacks, they can be beat and are suspectible to big plays.

Buffalo gets Holecek back, and he should be a big boost for the defense. Buffalo will make Huard beat them. McDuffie and Martin can make plays on the outside, and Huard is capable of hitting them. The Bills can't sit back in a zone defense and allow Huard to kill them with his feet. The Bills need to pressure him, remembering he is still a young quarterback. The more time he is allowed to develop, the more confidence he gets and the better chance he has of beating press coverage.