BUFFALO at MIAMI / 6 p.m., Channel 7

* The line: Miami by 6.

* Injury report: Bills--OUT: RB Thurman Thomas (liver contusion). DOUBTFUL: QB Rob Johnson (head); G Joe Panos (neck). QUESTIONABLE: G Ruben Brown (hamstring); DE Phil Hansen (chest). Dolphins--OUT: G Mark Dixon (groin); LB Anthony Harris (groin); DE Dimitrius Underwood (reserve-non football injury). QUESTIONABLE: WR Yatil Green (ankle).

* Story line: After the last game between these teams--a 24-17 Miami victory in the first round of the playoffs last season--Dolphin Coach Jimmy Johnson smashed open a box of Flutie Flakes, scattering cereal around the locker room and touching off a controversial, flake-stomping celebration. In the lead-up to tonight’s game, the Dolphins seemed to showing more respect for Flutie. It’s well deserved. The 5-foot-10 former CFL quarterback threw for a 566 yards and four touchdowns against the Dolphins last season. He also ran for 38 yards. “He makes things happen for them,” Dolphin safety Calvin Jackson said. “He’s their offense. For a defensive back, whenever you play a guy who scrambles, it’s tough. That’s when the damage can be done.” Flutie has completed 59% of his passes and rushed for 123 yards this season. “From my standpoint, I’m seeing teams for the second and third time around, and I’m just getting more confident in running our offense,” Flutie said. “Hopefully, the more time I spend on the field, the more comfortable I’ll get.”

* Key elements: Buffalo’s defense has not given up a touchdown in nine quarters. Dolphins have given up only 11.2 points a game in last 10 at home.

HOW THEY MATCH UP

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Buf Mia Points scored (Rank) 19.0 (17) 28.5 (5) Points allowed 11.3 (3) 18.5 (11) Passing O 206.7 (16) 218.0 (15) Rushing O 154.0 (2) 97.0 (19) Total O 360.7 (10) 315.0 (16) Passing D 182.3 (11) 180.0 (10) Rushing D 68.3 (5) 88.5 (10) Total D 250.7 (5) 268.5 (7)

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* The pick: Miami.