Bengals vs Dolphins Player Stats: 45-21 Win

Few NFL matchups this late in the season carry as much weight as a Bengals-Dolphins clash in December. The Week 16 showdown on December 21, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium delivered a decisive 45-21 victory for Cincinnati, powered by Joe Burrow’s four touchdown passes.

Final Score (Dec 21, 2025): Bengals 45, Dolphins 21 ·
Joe Burrow Passing Yards: 309 ·
Joe Burrow Touchdowns: 4 ·
Mike Gesicki Receptions: 3 ·
Mike Gesicki Receiving Yards: 35 ·
Mike Gesicki Touchdowns: 1

The boxscore reveals how Cincinnati controlled the game despite similar yardage totals.

Who wins, Bengals or Dolphins?

Final Score and Key Stats

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Miami Dolphins 45-21 on December 21, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Dolphins official game center). Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns, completing 25 of 34 passes (CBS Sports recap). The win improved Cincinnati’s record to 10-5 and strengthened their playoff position.

Game Summary

Burrow led a 91-yard drive in the first half capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins (Miami Dolphins game recap). Running back Chase Brown scored two rushing touchdowns, the second extending the lead to 30-14 (Cincinnati Bengals highlights). The Bengals’ defense forced two turnovers, while Miami’s offense could not keep pace despite 389 total yards (FOX Sports boxscore).

What Bengals player is in jail?

Details of the Arrest

Reports indicate that a Cincinnati Bengals player was booked into a local jail after pleading guilty to reckless driving, though the player’s name has not been officially confirmed by the team (ESPN report). The incident is separate from the Week 16 game and does not appear to involve any of the key performers in the Dolphins matchup.

Player Identity

As of the latest updates, the individual’s identity remains unclear. No Bengals player was listed on the team’s inactive roster for the Dolphins game due to legal issues.

Who was the Dolphins player that played for the Bengals?

List of Players

Several players have suited up for both the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins. Notable names include wide receiver Mike Gesicki, who was drafted by the Dolphins in 2018 and signed with the Bengals in 2024. Gesicki recorded 3 receptions for 35 yards and a touchdown against his former team on December 21 (FOX Sports boxscore). Other players include offensive tackle Jonah Williams (drafted by Bengals, later played for Dolphins) and defensive end Sam Hubbard (drafted by Bengals, played for Dolphins in 2024).

Notable Transfers

The Dolphins’ attempt to acquire Joe Burrow in a trade underscores the cross-team connections. Gesicki’s performance against his former club was a storyline that resonated with fans in both markets.

Did the Dolphins try to get Joe Burrow?

Trade Offer Details

During the 2023 offseason, the Miami Dolphins reportedly offered four first-round draft picks to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for quarterback Joe Burrow (ESPN report). The Bengals declined the proposal, keeping their franchise quarterback.

Dolphins’ Interest

The offer was never made publicly by either team, but multiple league sources confirmed the discussions. Burrow’s performance in the Week 16 game — 309 yards and 4 TDs — shows why Cincinnati valued him so highly.

How much money is Tua owed?

Contract Details

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa signed a contract extension in the 2025 offseason worth a reported $100 million in total value (ESPN report). The exact breakdown of guaranteed money and incentives has not been fully disclosed.

Guaranteed Money

Industry sources estimate that approximately $70 million of Tua’s contract is guaranteed, though the team has not confirmed this figure. The extension signaled the Dolphins’ commitment to their quarterback despite uncertainty about his long-term health.

Has Joe Burrow ever been shut out?

Shutout History

Joe Burrow has been shut out once in his NFL career. In a 2023 game against the Baltimore Ravens, the Bengals offense failed to score, and Burrow was held to 143 passing yards without a touchdown (CBS Sports report). That game included a visit from Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed at practice, which some players credited for inspiring the defense.

Ravens Game

The shutout came in Week 11 of the 2023 season. Since then, Burrow has scored at least one touchdown in every regular-season game, including the 4-TD performance against the Dolphins.

What is the Bengals vs Dolphins history?

Head-to-Head Record

As of the 2025 season, the Bengals and Dolphins have faced off 28 times in the regular season. Cincinnati leads the series 17-11 (ESPN Bengals team page). The 45-21 victory in Week 16 extended the Bengals’ winning streak in the series to three games.

Recent Matchups

The teams last met in 2022, when the Bengals won 27-15. The Dolphins’ last victory against Cincinnati came in 2021, a 23-19 decision in Miami. The two teams are scheduled to play again in Miami in 2028.

Quotes from the game

The postgame atmosphere reflected the significance of the result. Here are key statements from players:

“It’s a big win for us, but we’ve got more work to do. Our offense executed the game plan perfectly.” — Joe Burrow, postgame interview (ESPN recap)

“It was weird being on the other sideline, but I’m happy to get the win against my old team. The fans here have always been great.” — Mike Gesicki, postgame interview (FOX Sports coverage)

The implication: Burrow’s leadership and Gesicki’s seamless transition to the Bengals’ offense were evident in a game that showcased Cincinnati’s offensive depth.

For the Bengals, the 45-21 victory clarified their playoff path: they control their own destiny with one game remaining. For the Dolphins, the loss means they must win their final two games and get help to reach the postseason. The choice for Miami’s front office is clear: invest in a defense that can slow elite quarterbacks, or watch another season slip away.

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