The Cincinnati Bengals narrowly defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-21 in a tightly contested Week 5 matchup of the 2026 season. Both teams were looking to solidify their playoff positions, making this victory crucial for Cincinnati as they aim to stay competitive in their division. Joe Burrow led the Bengals' offensive effort, throwing for 260 yards and connecting with his star receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who racked up 112 receiving yards. Chase was a constant threat throughout the game, while Chase Brown added a solid ground game with 75 rushing yards, contributing to the Bengals’ balanced attack. Malik Willis of the Dolphins managed to throw one touchdown, but it wasn't enough to overcome Cincinnati's offensive firepower. Defensively, the Bengals made key plays to secure the win, with Jordan Battle leading the team with eight total tackles and DJ Turner II snagging an interception that proved pivotal. The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Cincinnati's defense stifled a potential game-tying drive by the Dolphins, allowing the Bengals to hold off Miami's comeback efforts and secure the victory. Zach Sieler of the Dolphins put in a strong performance with 2.5 sacks, but it wasn't enough to shift the momentum in Miami's favor.