In a tightly contested matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals narrowly defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-17 in Week 5 of the 2026 season. With both teams looking to solidify their positions, the Bengals emerged victorious, showcasing their resilience in a critical game. Cincinnati's offense was led by quarterback Joe Burrow, who threw for an impressive 337 yards, connecting with standout receiver Mike Evans for 154 receiving yards. Meanwhile, the Dolphins struggled to keep pace, with Malik Willis managing just one touchdown pass despite a strong effort. De'Von Achane was a bright spot for Miami, rushing for 123 yards, but it wasn't enough to outgun the Bengals. Defensively, the Dolphins showed promise with Darrell Baker Jr. leading the way with nine total tackles and Jacob Rodriguez contributing 1.5 sacks. However, it was Cincinnati's ability to make key defensive plays at critical moments that ultimately turned the tide. The game's turning point came late in the fourth quarter when the Bengals' defense tightened up, holding Miami at bay and allowing Cincinnati to secure the victory.