In a nail-biting Wildcard Round matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals narrowly defeated the Miami Dolphins 17-16, securing their place in the next round of the playoffs. With both teams vying for a chance to advance, the stakes were high, and it was a battle of wills that came down to the wire. Cincinnati's Joe Burrow threw for a modest 178 yards and one touchdown, while Miami's Julian Sayin led the passing attack with 186 yards, showcasing his potential under pressure. De'Von Achane was a standout for Miami on the ground, racking up 81 rushing yards, but it was Ja'Marr Chase's 74 receiving yards that helped keep Cincinnati in front when it mattered most. Defensively, the Bengals stepped up when needed, with Jordan Battle recording a game-high seven tackles and Cashius Howell contributing with a crucial sack. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when Cincinnati's defense held Miami to a field goal, allowing them to maintain a slim lead and secure the victory as time expired.