Bills-Dolphins Thursday Night: Ray Davis could see bigger workload as Cook rests

The Buffalo Bills are counting on Ray Davis to handle an increased share of the backfield workload in Thursday night's game against the Miami Dolphins, as Buffalo aims to maintain its offensive footing on a quick turnaround. With James Cook expected to carry a lighter load on a short week, Davis sits in a position to be the primary complement in Buffalo's backfield. Davis emerged as Buffalo's clear backup during his rookie season and has shown he can contribute in the rotation when Cook isn't on the field. The plan, likely, is to keep Cook fresh for the stretch run, while Davis handles a meaningful portion of snaps in a balanced attack that could be tailored to the opponent and game flow.

Cook has been the backbone in Buffalo's backfield through two weeks, totaling 40 touches and 176 rushing yards, numbers that place him among the league's top-10 in both categories. Yet the Bills face a short week, and the possibility of a semi-rest day for Cook could tilt more of the workload toward Davis. In last season's Thursday-night meeting with the Dolphins, Cook had 11 rushing attempts and one catch, while Davis stepped in for nine carries and 29 yards. A few weeks later, Cook logged nine rushing attempts against the Ravens in a game that followed a Monday night affair, and Davis contributed seven carries. Those early-season performances underscored Buffalo's willingness to rotate the backfield when necessary and to lean on Davis when Cook isn't on the field for extended stretches. Since Buffalo's bye week last season, Davis has appeared for at least 20 percent of the Bills' offensive snaps in seven of the team's last eight regular-season games, a trend that could be amplified on Thursday if the game script favors the run and fatigue management.

The Dolphins opened the season 0-2, being outscored by a combined 31 points in losses to Indianapolis and New England. Those results illustrate that Buffalo's offense and defense could control the tempo on Thursday, provided the Bills execute the game plan effectively and avoid costly mistakes. While no single game can erase a season's trajectory, a short week against a division rival presents a pivotal opportunity for Buffalo to establish rhythm on both sides of the ball. If Cook is limited, Buffalo will likely lean more on its ground attack, with Davis ready to step in and keep Buffalo's offense moving when needed.

From a betting perspective, New York Post Betting highlights a specific prop for Davis in Thursday's game. The recommendation is Ray Davis Over 20.5 rushing yards, priced at -130 on Fanatics Sportsbook. The rationale centers on Davis's role as the clear backup in Buffalo's backfield and the potential for more carries in a game likely decided by Buffalo's ability to run the ball and control the clock. If Cook is rotated more than typical, Davis could see enough opportunities to push past the line, particularly if Buffalo leans on the run late in the game to protect a lead or manage fatigue.

Davis's involvement isn't just a box-score figure; it reflects a broader trend in Buffalo's backfield usage. Even when Cook is the focal point of the offense, Davis has shown the ability to contribute when called upon, providing a tempo-preserving option and a change of pace that can keep defenses honest. Thursday's game presents a chance to test Davis's fit in a higher-leverage situation against a divisional opponent, with the potential for the Bills to lean on the run in a balanced attack that emphasizes ball security and time of possession.

As kickoff approaches in Buffalo, observers will watch how the Bills allocate carries between Cook and Davis and whether Davis's workload increases in the short week. The evolving nature of the NFL backfield in 2025 means coaches manage touches to maximize efficiency and rest, and Thursday's matchup against the Dolphins could provide a clearer signal about Davis's role moving forward if Cook's workload remains lighter than usual. In the meantime, Buffalo aims to sustain its momentum in a season that has already shown the value of depth at the running back position.