81-51-1. That’s not a quarterback’s career win-loss record. It’s the “under” betting trend in games officiated by a referee since 2016. As the NFL’s Week 2 kicks off, this statistic looms large over the upcoming Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins showdown.

Football fans know that refs can make or break a game. But when it comes to the referee for the matchup, his impact extends far beyond the gridiron. From heart-stopping medical scares to Super Bowl glory, this zebra’s stripes tell a tale wilder than any Hail Mary pass.

Who is the referee that is assigned to the Bills vs. Dolphins week 2 matchup?

Bill Vinovich will lead the officiating crew for the Bills-Dolphins clash, the NFL announced recently. It’s a classic AFC East matchup that’s sure to set the tone for both teams’ seasons. But Vinovich’s presence adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already spicy affair.

Why? Because Vinovich isn’t just any ref. He’s the man chosen to officiate Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas this February. It’s a nod to his experience and the league’s trust in his judgment. But don’t think for a second that Vinovich’s road to the top has been smooth sailing.

As Vinovich officiated his third Super Bowl, he was joined by a historic crew. Umpire Terry Killens became the first person to both play in and officiate a Super Bowl. Killens made one tackle on special teams for the Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. The rest of the Super Bowl LVIII crew included down judge Patrick Holt, line judge Mark Perlman, field judge Tom Hill, side judge Allen Baynes, back judge Brad Freeman, and replay official Mike Chase.

This 63-year-old veteran started as an NFL side judge back in 2001. By 2004, he’d climbed the ranks to referee. But in 2007, life threw him a curveball that would sideline most for good. Vinovich suffered an aortic dissection – a tear in the inner layer of the body’s main artery. For five long years, he was relegated to replay official duties. It wasn’t until 2012, after surgery to replace part of his aorta, that Vinovich made his triumphant return to the field.

Get To Know More about Bill Vinovich’s NFL Career, Controversial Incidents & More

If you think Vinovich’s medical comeback is impressive, wait till you hear about his on-field drama. Remember the 2019 NFC Championship game? Vinovich and his crew were at the center of what many call one of the worst non-calls in NFL history.

With under two minutes remaining in a tie game, Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman ran into Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis before the ball got there. The officials didn’t call pass interference. The Rams went on to edge out an overtime victory which New Orleans fans still haven’t gotten over. The league later acknowledged the blown call, going so far as to amend rules so that pass interference challenges could be made for one season.

But Vinovich is no stranger to refereeing controversial games. In the 2013 Divisional Round, he refereed a double-overtime game between the Ravens and Broncos known as the “Mile High Miracle.” The game saw 73 points scored on offense. In the final seconds of the second overtime, a 70-yard touchdown tied it up for Baltimore. Vinovich’s crew made several calls which turned the flow of play completely around and kept fans on both teams in suspense to every whistle.

Despite the controversies, or perhaps because of them, Vinovich has earned a reputation as a ref who “lets them play.” CBS SportsLine’s Mackenzie Brooks noted in March, “Overall standpoint, you’re looking at an unders guy, you’re looking at an underdogs guy and you’re looking at a guy who’s just going to let them play here.”

Vinovich, with this tendency, could be a crucial factor in how the Bills-Dolphins game develops. Since 2018, the average game under his direction has witnessed 41 points scored and underdogs have gone 68-60-4 against their spread. Given the history, fans might reasonably be anticipating a tighter match than the oddsmakers predict at the very least.

So, as the Bills and Dolphins square off, keep an eye on the man with the whistle. In a Vinovich-officiated game, expect the unexpected – just don’t expect many flags. And who knows? We might just be witnessing a preview of how he’ll call the biggest game of the year come February.