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The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Miami Dolphins 31-24 on October 11, ending a two-game losing streak and improving to 3-2 for the 2026 NFL season. Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes, Ja’Marr Chase returned from concussion protocol, and Jordan Battle recorded two interceptions. Evan McPherson set a franchise record with his 22nd consecutive successful field goal. Cincinnati now enters its Week 6 bye before visiting the Baltimore Ravens on October 25.
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Miami Dolphins 31-24 on Sunday, October 11, in Miami Gardens, Florida, ending a two-game losing streak.
Quarterback Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes, while safety Jordan Battle intercepted two passes to help Cincinnati secure the road victory.
The win improved the Bengals’ record to 3-2 for the 2026 NFL season. Miami fell to 0-5 after failing to complete a late comeback at Hard Rock Stadium.
Joe Burrow leads team victory
Burrow completed 23 of 32 passes for 190 yards and four touchdowns, according to national game reports. He spread the scoring among four different receivers as Cincinnati built an early lead.
Tight end Mike Gesicki caught the opening touchdown, followed by a six-yard scoring reception from running back Samaje Perine. Tight end Tanner Hudson added another touchdown before halftime, giving Cincinnati a 21-7 advantage.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase caught a 45-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, extending the Bengals’ lead to 28-10. The reception highlighted Chase’s return after he cleared concussion protocol earlier in the week.
Chase finished with six receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown. His return gave Burrow another key receiving option after the receiver’s injury concerns during the previous game against Jacksonville.
Jordan Battle interceptions help Bengals’ control game
Safety Jordan Battle recorded two interceptions against Miami quarterback Malik Willis in the second quarter. The turnovers helped Cincinnati maintain its first-half advantage and limited the Dolphins’ opportunities to build offensive momentum.
Willis finished with 137 passing yards and a touchdown pass, according to game reports. He also threw two interceptions and scored on a rushing touchdown as Miami attempted to close the gap.
The Bengals also received contributions from their running game. Cincinnati recorded 117 rushing yards, its highest total of the season to that point, according to FOX19.
Perine led the Bengals with 68 rushing yards on 14 carries. Chase Brown added 39 yards on 13 carries, helping Cincinnati balance its offensive attack.
The improved ground game offered support for Burrow’s passing production as the Bengals worked to end their losing streak.
Evan McPherson sets Bengals’ field goal record
Kicker Evan McPherson established a Cincinnati franchise record by converting his 22nd consecutive field goal.
McPherson made a 26-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter, extending Cincinnati’s advantage to 31-18. The successful kick surpassed the previous franchise record for consecutive field goals made.
Head coach Zac Taylor awarded McPherson a game ball following the victory in recognition of the achievement.
The record provided another positive development for Cincinnati beyond the final score and Burrow’s four touchdown passes.
Dolphins rally late but fell short
Miami mounted a second-half comeback after falling behind by 18 points. Willis threw a three-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Kevin Coleman Jr., and Greg Dulcich caught a two-point conversion to narrow Cincinnati’s lead.
McPherson’s field goal restored a 13-point advantage for the Bengals. Miami scored again on a one-yard rushing touchdown by Willis with less than a minute remaining, cutting the deficit to 31-24.
The Dolphins could not recover the ensuing onside kick, allowing Cincinnati to secure the win.
Miami finished with 331 total yards, including 217 rushing yards. Running back Ollie Gordon II led the Dolphins with 88 rushing yards on 18 carries and scored a touchdown.
Despite Miami’s late offensive push, Cincinnati’s early scoring advantage and defensive takeaways proved decisive.
Cincinnati prepares for next AFC North matchup
The Bengals enter their Week 6 bye with a 3-2 record. The break gives the team time to recover, evaluate its performance against Miami and prepare for its next AFC North matchup.
Cincinnati is scheduled to visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, October 25, 2026. The game will provide another opportunity for the Bengals to build momentum as the regular season continues.
The victory over Miami gives Cincinnati a positive result heading into the bye, although the Dolphins’ late rally highlights areas the Bengals may need to address on defense.
FAQs
How many touchdowns did Joe Burrow throw against the Dolphins?
Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes against Miami. He completed 23 of 32 passes for 190 yards, according to national game reports.
How many interceptions did Jordan Battle record?
Jordan Battle intercepted Miami quarterback Malik Willis twice in the second quarter. The turnovers helped Cincinnati maintain its lead during the first half.
How did the Miami Dolphins score their final touchdown?
Miami quarterback Malik Willis scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown with less than a minute remaining. The score cut Cincinnati’s lead to 31-24, but the Dolphins failed to recover the ensuing onside kick.
When will the Bengals play their next game?
The Bengals are scheduled to visit the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Cincinnati has a bye during Week 6.
