Where the Bengals and Dolphins Stand in 2026
The Bengals come in at 2-2 and the Dolphins at 0-4, and early betting lines make Cincinnati roughly a 6-point road favorite.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2). Joe Burrow is healthy and putting up big numbers: he threw for 428 yards in the Week 4 home loss to Jacksonville (22-17), and Tee Higgins caught 11 passes for 157 yards in that game. After a 6-11 finish in 2025, when Burrow missed much of the season, Cincinnati is trying to turn volume passing into wins. Head coach Zac Taylor's group wants to balance the attack before the bye.
Miami Dolphins (0-4). It's a new era in Miami. Jeff Hafley, formerly the Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator, took over as head coach in January 2026 after Mike McDaniel was let go, and Malik Willis signed in March to start at quarterback. The defense has been the bright spot, holding Minnesota out of the end zone in a 15-10 Week 4 loss. The offense is still finding its footing, especially after running back De'Von Achane suffered a season-ending knee injury.
Why it matters: Miami is desperate for a first win in front of its home crowd, while Cincinnati wants to reach its bye above .500. That combination usually makes for a competitive, high-energy afternoon in Miami Gardens.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins History and Head-to-Head Record
Miami leads the all-time series 18-9, including the only playoff meeting, but Cincinnati has won the last two games. The teams first met in 1968, when both were still in the AFL, and the Bengals won that one 38-21 in Miami.
The Dolphins controlled the series for decades, including a nine-game winning streak that ran from 1978 to 2000. Their lone postseason meeting came in the 1973 AFC Divisional round, a 34-16 Dolphins win at the Orange Bowl during Miami's championship era. In recent years the series has been much more even, and the games have often come down to the final minutes.
Recent Bengals vs. Dolphins results
Memorable games
- 2013, Halloween night (Thursday Night Football): The game ended in overtime when Cam Wake sacked Andy Dalton in the end zone for a walk-off safety, giving Miami a 22-20 win.
- 2019, Week 16: The highest-scoring game in series history (73 points). Miami led 35-12, Cincinnati scored the final 23 points of regulation, including 16 in the last 29 seconds, and the Dolphins still won 38-35 in overtime.
- 2025, Week 16: The Bengals won 45-21 in Miami, their largest margin of victory in the series.
Bengals vs. Dolphins: Players to Watch
Cincinnati Bengals
- Joe Burrow, QB: One of the league's most productive passers and the engine of the offense; he passed 2,000 career completions in Week 4.
- Ja'Marr Chase, WR: An All-Pro receiver who can change a game on one catch. He left the Week 4 game with a concussion, so check his status before kickoff.
- Tee Higgins, WR: Coming off an 11-catch, 157-yard game against Jacksonville.
- Mike Gesicki, TE: A former Dolphin (2018-22) returning to Hard Rock Stadium; he caught Burrow's touchdown pass in Week 4.
- Chase Brown, RB: Cincinnati's lead back and a key to balancing the offense.
Miami Dolphins
- Malik Willis, QB: A dual-threat quarterback in his first season as Miami's starter, looking for his first win in aqua and orange.
- Malik Washington, WR: Willis's most reliable target so far, with the long completion in Week 4.
- Chris Bell, WR: A rookie with big-play speed who caught a touchdown from Willis against Minnesota.
- Jaylen Wright, RB: Takes on a bigger role with De'Von Achane out for the season.
- The Miami defense: Under defensive-minded head coach Jeff Hafley, this unit kept the Vikings out of the end zone and will be tested by Burrow's passing game.
Hard Rock Stadium Guide for Bengals vs. Dolphins
Hard Rock Stadium seats roughly 65,000 fans and sits in Miami Gardens, about 15 miles north of downtown Miami. It's the Dolphins' home since 1987, a regular Super Bowl host, and home to the Miami Open and the Orange Bowl. A large canopy added during the stadium's renovation shades most seats, which matters for a 1:00 PM kickoff in South Florida heat.
Seating levels at a glance
Tips for an October afternoon game
- Shade: The canopy covers most seats, but the lowest rows of the 100 level can still catch direct sun early in the game. If shade matters to you, look at higher rows or the club level.
- Arrive early: Parking lots typically open several hours before kickoff and traffic on Florida's Turnpike and I-95 builds quickly. Buying parking in advance usually saves time and money.
- Bags: The NFL clear bag policy applies, so bring a clear bag within league size limits or a small clutch.
- Payments: Hard Rock Stadium is a cashless venue; bring a card or mobile wallet for food, drinks and merchandise.
- Weather: Expect heat and humidity, and the possibility of a passing afternoon shower. Sunscreen and water are worth it.
