Bills LB Bryan Scott snares one of his club's two interceptions -- one of three Miami turovers Thursday -- as Buffalo's much maligned defense rose to the occasion in a win. (US Presswire)

For one night at least, the Buffalo Bills showed that they were ready for primetime.

Sort of.

Despite a shaky second-half performance, the Bills hung on to come away with a 19-14 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night at Ralph Wilson Stadium. It was Buffalo’s first win in primetime since 2001, having lost their previous 11 evening games.

The Bills (4-6) didn’t make it easy on themselves. Despite going into halftime with a 19-7 lead, Buffalo’s offense sputtered in the second half due to poor drives and questionable play calls. Miami (4-6) clawed its way back within five points with just under nine minutes remaining, but the Bills defense responded with two key interceptions -- one from FS Jairus Byrd, the other from LB Bryan Scott -- to hold on for the win.

“The defense played outstanding, did an unbelievable job,” Bills coach Chan Gailey said. “One score, I think they didn’t have very many yards (184). They just did a super job.”

The victory keeps Buffalo’s faint playoff hopes alive. The Bills have a long way to go, but they ended a three-game losing streak and at 4-6 still have a chance to catch the final wild card spot in the AFC.

“Right now, you’re just trying to climb and find a way to get the opportunity to play into late January,” Gailey said. “And if we can build on this, we’ve got a bunch of games left with an opportunity.”

The Dolphins, meanwhile, struggled to mount a consistent offensive attack throughout much of the game. Buffalo’s porous run defense -- ranked last in the league leading up to the game -- was surprisingly stout (20 yards for RB Reggie Bush, 60 total rushing yards for the Dolphins) and QB Ryan Tannehill (14 of 28, 141 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs) was inaccurate with his throws downfield. Tannehill’s best stretch came as the Dolphins mounted a late comeback before his back-to-back interceptions.

When the game turned: It took only four plays for the game to turn in Buffalo’s favor with Leodis McKelvin’s long punt return. The Bills were in control for much of the game after that, though it was the interceptions from Byrd and Scott that eventually sealed the deal.

Highlight moments: Each team had a highlight-reel return for a score in the first quarter. McKelvin got the Bills on the board before their offense saw the ball with a 79-yard punt return down the left sideline. Key blocks from Byrd, WR Ruvell Martin and FB Corey McIntyre sprung McKelvin. The Dolphins responded later in the quarter with a 96-yard kick return touchdown from Marcus Thigpen. The Dolphins created a huge hole for Thigpen on the play and he hit it with authority.

Top-shelf performances:

  • Bills RB CJ Spiller -- 22 carries for 91 yards, 3 receptions for 39 yards

  • McKelvin -- 79-yard punt return for a score, one tackle on defense

  • Byrd, Scott -- one INT each

What they said about Buffalo’s run defense:

  • Gailey -- “The best it’s been for four quarters all year -- by far the best. I think we’re capable of, maybe not doing that, but being close to that. And if we can be close to that, we’ll be in great shape.”
  • Byrd -- “Honestly, everybody was just in their gaps. I’ve talked about it when we’ve had games where runs have gotten out of there ... today we were swarming to the ball. There weren’t lanes, and if there were they were closed quick.”

Numbers you should know: The 32nd-ranked Bills run defense held the Dolphins to just 60 yards rushing. The teams combined for only five third-down conversions (5 of 22).

Injury update: Bills -- DT Kyle Williams injured his left arm on the first play from scrimmage but was able to return.

Going forward: Bills -- Buffalo’s schedule eases up over the final six weeks, but the most difficult game in that stretch comes next -- the Bills are on the road against the 6-3 Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. After that, the Bills play two of the weaker teams in the NFL in Jacksonville and St. Louis. Dolphins -- Miami has a difficult three-game stretch coming up with home games against Seattle and New England and a road trip to San Francisco in Week 14.

For more updates on the Bills, follow correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSBills and @MarkLud12.