Bengals Beat Dolphins 31 to 24 Behind Burrow's Four Touchdowns

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Miami Dolphins 31-24 on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida, ending Cincinnati's two-game losing streak while extending Miami's winless start to five games. Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes, and safety Jordan Battle intercepted quarterback Malik Willis twice to help the Bengals secure the road victory.

According to the game statistics reported by CBS Sports, Burrow completed 23 of 32 passes for 190 yards and connected with nine different receivers. Ja'Marr Chase caught six passes for 77 yards, including a spectacular 45-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter. Cincinnati improved to 3-2, while Miami fell to 0-5.

Burrow credited the protection provided by his offensive line for creating the opportunity to connect with Chase on the long scoring play.

"I saw the protection that I really like. It buys me time and space," Burrow said. "Pushed the ball downfield, and when you push the ball downfield with the guys that we have and (with) that kind of time, you can see what number one can do whenever the ball’s in the air.

Obviously, an unbelievable play. You don’t want to take it for granted, but we’re used to it at this point."

Chase entered the game after missing practice time while recovering from a concussion suffered against Jacksonville the previous Sunday. He secured the touchdown pass against cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. despite briefly juggling the ball.

"It’s a blessing to get these opportunities," Chase said.

Burrow also threw touchdown passes to tight ends Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson, along with running back Samaje Perine. Gesicki opened the scoring with a 4-yard touchdown reception after Dohnte Meyers returned the opening kickoff 81 yards. Miami responded with Ollie Gordon's 1-yard touchdown run, but Cincinnati carried a 21-7 advantage into halftime.

Battle's two interceptions came on consecutive Miami possessions in the second quarter. He said his preparation helped him recognize a potential clue in Willis' throwing mechanics.

"You study players and see things," Battle said. "But it’s just trusting the game plan and putting me in position to make plays."

Willis finished with 15 completions on 27 attempts for 137 passing yards. He also lost a fumble as Miami struggled to sustain its passing attack. Gordon provided a stronger option on the ground, rushing 18 times for 88 yards and a touchdown, according to CBS Sports.

Miami rallied in the fourth quarter through a 3-yard touchdown catch by rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. and Willis' 1-yard scoring run with 45 seconds remaining. However, Riley Patterson missed the extra point by hitting the left upright, and Miami's ensuing onside kick went out of bounds, ending its comeback attempt.

Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley faced another defeat as his team continued searching for its first victory. The loss also exposed continuing problems on special teams, including the opening kickoff return allowed for 81 yards and the missed late extra point.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor welcomed the victory but identified several mistakes that nearly allowed Miami to recover. Cincinnati committed two personal fouls, fumbled twice in the red zone, and surrendered more than 200 rushing yards.

"Trust me, I'm not going to sit here - we got to win games in this league, and we've all sat in this room and seen some get away from us."

Taylor said the upcoming bye week would give his players time to recover after several closely contested games. Cincinnati is scheduled to face Baltimore in two weeks, while both teams have a bye in Week 6.

Taylor also praised the determination of Chase and Tee Higgins, who entered the game with injury concerns. Chase had to clear concussion protocol on Saturday before being cleared to play.

"I'm playing," Chase told Taylor, according to the Bengals coach's postgame remarks.