In a tightly contested battle, the Miami Dolphins narrowly defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Week 5 of the 2026 season. The stakes were high as both teams aimed to solidify their playoff aspirations, making every play crucial in this AFC showdown. The Dolphins' home advantage played a key role in their victory. Joe Burrow showcased his skills for the Bengals, throwing for 294 yards and a touchdown, while Tee Higgins stood out with 97 receiving yards, consistently finding ways to move the chains. On the ground, De'Von Achane led the Dolphins with 72 rushing yards, contributing significantly to Miami's overall offensive efforts. Miami’s balanced attack kept Cincinnati’s defense on its heels throughout the game. Defensively, the game turned when Chop Robinson dominated the Bengals' offensive line, racking up 2.5 sacks that disrupted Burrow's rhythm. Despite Dexter Lawrence II's impressive seven tackles for Cincinnati, the Dolphins' defense stepped up when it mattered most, stifling the Bengals in key moments and sealing the win. The Dolphins' ability to apply pressure ultimately made the difference, allowing them to hold off a late-game surge from Cincinnati.