Bengals 45–21 Dolphins: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 16, 2025

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Miami Dolphins?

J. Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), 71.4% completion, +15.8% CPOE, +0.59 EPA per dropback, +20.73 total passing EPA. Q. Ewers (Miami Dolphins), 62.5% completion, +1.6% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.18 total passing EPA.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cincinnati Bengals vs Miami Dolphins?

J. Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +20.73 total EPA on Passing plays. across 35 snaps. Their top snap (+3.53 EPA): (4:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep left to 1-J.Chase to MIA 12 for 36 yards (23-J.Jones)..

Quick answer

Winner: Cincinnati Bengals
Final score: Cincinnati Bengals 45–21 Miami Dolphins
Halftime: Cincinnati Bengals 17–14 Miami Dolphins at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: Joe Burrow
Top passer: Joe Burrow
Biggest EPA play: (2:35) 28-D.Achane left end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date: 2025-12-21

Game summary

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Miami Dolphins 45–21 on 2025-12-21. Joe Burrow posted a game-high +20.73 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 21 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
Cincinnati Bengals	7	10	21	7	0	45
Miami Dolphins	7	7	0	7	0	21

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

CINCincinnati Bengals

CIN 48

+3MIA 27

CIN 9

CIN 3

MIAMiami Dolphins

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

19 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

CINCincinnati Bengals
Q1 4:02TD
Tee Higgins
Points+6
Yard line
MIA 9
Score
6-0
(4:02) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 5-T.Higgins for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q1 3:57XP
Evan McPherson
Points+1
Yard line
MIA 15
Score
7-0
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q1 2:35TD
De'Von Achane
Points+6
Yard line
CIN 48
Score
7-6
(2:35) 28-D.Achane left end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q1 2:25XP
Riley Patterson
Points+1
Yard line
CIN 15
Score
7-7
47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 6:06FG
Evan McPherson
Points+3
Yard line
MIA 27
Score
10-7
(6:06) 2-E.McPherson 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q2 2:30TD
Montrell Washington
Points+6
Yard line
CIN 9
Score
10-13
(2:30) 6-M.Washington right end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q2 2:24XP
Riley Patterson
Points+1
Yard line
CIN 15
Score
10-14
47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 1:28TD
Samaje Perine
Points+6
Yard line
MIA 4
Score
16-14
(1:28) (Shotgun) 34-S.Perine up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 1:24XP
Evan McPherson
Points+1
Yard line
MIA 15
Score
17-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q3 9:49TD
Charles Brown
Points+6
Yard line
MIA 9
Score
23-14
(9:49) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 30-C.Brown for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q3 9:43XP
Evan McPherson
Points+1
Yard line
MIA 15
Score
24-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q3 8:37TD
Charles Brown
Points+6
Yard line
MIA 12
Score
30-14
(8:37) 30-C.Brown right guard for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q3 8:32XP
Evan McPherson
Points+1
Yard line
MIA 15
Score
31-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q3 2:30TD
Charles Brown
Points+6
Yard line
MIA 5
Score
37-14
(2:30) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 30-C.Brown for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q3 2:25XP
Evan McPherson
Points+1
Yard line
MIA 15
Score
38-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 13:37TD
Mike Gesicki
Points+6
Yard line
MIA 17
Score
44-14
(13:37) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep middle to 88-M.Gesicki for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 13:32XP
Evan McPherson
Points+1
Yard line
MIA 15
Score
45-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q4 3:47TD
Jacardia Wright
Points+6
Yard line
CIN 3
Score
45-20
(3:47) 64-D.Brunskill reported in as eligible. 5-J.Wright right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MIAMiami Dolphins
Q4 3:43XP
Riley Patterson
Points+1
Yard line
CIN 15
Score
45-21
47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Joe Burrow · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +20.73 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
2Ja'Marr Chase · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +6.19 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
3Charles Brown · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +6.09 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.52 EPA/play
4Tee Higgins · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.06 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.69 EPA/play
5Mike Gesicki · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.46 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.12 EPA/play
6Darren Waller · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +4.28 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.86 EPA/play
7Drew Sample · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.68 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.34 EPA/play
8Montrell Washington · Miami Dolphins · Rushing · +2.46 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.46 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Joe Burrow — CIN · Passing

Joe Burrow posted the highest total EPA (+20.73) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cincinnati Bengals. Across 35 counted snaps, they averaged +0.59 EPA per play.

Joe Burrow's top snap (+3.53 EPA): (4:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep left to 1-J.Chase to MIA 12 for 36 yards (23-J.Jones).

Biggest single play (+4.53 EPA): De'Von Achane — (2:35) 28-D.Achane left end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Joe Burrow led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) · 35 dropbacks · 71.4% completion · +15.8% CPOE · +0.59 EPA/play · +20.73 total EPA
Quinn Ewers (Miami Dolphins) · 32 dropbacks · 62.5% completion · +1.6% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.18 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Cincinnati Bengals	Miami Dolphins
Offensive EPA/play	+0.335	-0.056
Offensive success rate	60.0%	42.7%
Pass EPA/play	+0.549	-0.006
Rush EPA/play	+0.118	-0.174
Defensive EPA/play	+0.056	-0.335
Defensive success rate	57.3%	40.0%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Cincinnati Bengals generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.34 vs -0.06), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Cincinnati Bengals: +0.34 EPA/play (99th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
Miami Dolphins: -0.06 EPA/play (33rd percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)

Cincinnati Bengals: 12 drives, +26.82 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
Miami Dolphins: 12 drives, -4.17 total EPA, 3 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Cincinnati Bengals — Tee Higgins (Joe Burrow pass) (Q1 4:02)
Miami Dolphins — De'Von Achane (Q1 2:35)
Miami Dolphins — Montrell Washington (Q2 2:30)
Cincinnati Bengals — Samaje Perine (Q2 1:28)
Cincinnati Bengals — Charles Brown (Joe Burrow pass) (Q3 9:49)
Cincinnati Bengals — Charles Brown (Q3 8:37)
Cincinnati Bengals — Charles Brown (Joe Burrow pass) (Q3 2:30)
Cincinnati Bengals — Mike Gesicki (Joe Burrow pass) (Q4 13:37)
Miami Dolphins — Jacardia Wright (Q4 3:47)

Field goals

Cincinnati Bengals — Evan McPherson (Q2 6:06)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIA 9 (Q1 4:02) — (4:02) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 5-T.Higgins for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q1 3:57) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the CIN 48 (Q1 2:35) — (2:35) 28-D.Achane left end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q1 2:25) — 47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey..

The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 10–7. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the MIA 27 (Q2 6:06) — (6:06) 2-E.McPherson 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the CIN 9 (Q2 2:30) — (2:30) 6-M.Washington right end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q2 2:24) — 47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIA 4 (Q2 1:28) — (1:28) (Shotgun) 34-S.Perine up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q2 1:24) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow..

The third quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 21–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIA 9 (Q3 9:49) — (9:49) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 30-C.Brown for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q3 9:43) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIA 12 (Q3 8:37) — (8:37) 30-C.Brown right guard for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q3 8:32) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIA 5 (Q3 2:30) — (2:30) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 30-C.Brown for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q3 2:25) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow..

The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the MIA 17 (Q4 13:37) — (13:37) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep middle to 88-M.Gesicki for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 13:32) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the CIN 3 (Q4 3:47) — (3:47) 64-D.Brunskill reported in as eligible. 5-J.Wright right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q4 3:43) — 47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Miami Dolphins (Q1 2:35) — (2:35) 28-D.Achane left end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.7% · EPA +4.53]
Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 1:43) — (1:43) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short middle to 89-D.Sample pushed ob at MIA 11 for 27 yards (20-J.Brooks) [25-T.Dodson]. [WPA +10.3% · EPA +2.72]
Miami Dolphins (Q2 4:05) — (4:05) 14-Q.Ewers pass deep left to 17-J.Waddle to CIN 36 for 17 yards (20-D.Turner). FUMBLES (20-D.Turner), recovered by MIA-30-A.Ingold at CIN 37. 30-A.Ingold to CIN 34 for 3 yards (20-D.Turner). [WPA +7.7% · EPA +1.58]
Miami Dolphins (Q3 13:45) — (13:45) (Shotgun) 14-Q.Ewers pass short left to 28-D.Achane to CIN 33 for 31 yards (49-B.Carter). PENALTY on MIA-81-T.Wease, Offensive Pass Interference, 10 yards, enforced at MIA 36 - No Play. [WPA -7.6% · EPA -1.53]
Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 9:03) — (9:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 34-S.Perine pushed ob at MIA 35 for 8 yards (20-J.Brooks). [WPA +7.2% · EPA +0.62]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Miami Dolphins (Q1 2:35) — (2:35) 28-D.Achane left end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +14.7% · EPA +4.53]
Miami Dolphins (Q3 9:30) — (9:30) (Shotgun) 14-Q.Ewers pass deep middle intended for 81-T.Wease INTERCEPTED by 49-B.Carter (28-J.Newton) at CIN 49. 49-B.Carter to MIA 35 for 16 yards (69-C.Strange). [WPA -5.7% · EPA -3.96]
Miami Dolphins (Q3 2:18) — (2:18) (Shotgun) 14-Q.Ewers pass deep right intended for 17-J.Waddle INTERCEPTED by 35-J.Davis at CIN 48. 35-J.Davis pushed ob at CIN 48 for no gain (17-J.Waddle). [WPA -0.5% · EPA -3.85]
Miami Dolphins (Q3 5:34) — (5:34) 14-Q.Ewers up the middle to CIN 47 for no gain (95-H.Cross). (Virtual Measurement). [WPA -2.6% · EPA -3.54]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 4:02 · MIA 9 · Score 6-0
(4:02) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 5-T.Higgins for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 3:57 · MIA 15 · Score 7-0
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q1 2:35 · CIN 48 · Score 7-6
(2:35) 28-D.Achane left end for 48 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q1 2:25 · CIN 15 · Score 7-7
47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 6:06 · MIA 27 · Score 10-7
(6:06) 2-E.McPherson 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 2:30 · CIN 9 · Score 10-13
(2:30) 6-M.Washington right end for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 2:24 · CIN 15 · Score 10-14
47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 1:28 · MIA 4 · Score 16-14
(1:28) (Shotgun) 34-S.Perine up the middle for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 1:24 · MIA 15 · Score 17-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 9:49 · MIA 9 · Score 23-14
(9:49) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 30-C.Brown for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q3 9:43 · MIA 15 · Score 24-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 8:37 · MIA 12 · Score 30-14
(8:37) 30-C.Brown right guard for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q3 8:32 · MIA 15 · Score 31-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 2:30 · MIA 5 · Score 37-14
(2:30) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 30-C.Brown for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q3 2:25 · MIA 15 · Score 38-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 13:37 · MIA 17 · Score 44-14
(13:37) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep middle to 88-M.Gesicki for 17 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q4 13:32 · MIA 15 · Score 45-14
2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 3:47 · CIN 3 · Score 45-20
(3:47) 64-D.Brunskill reported in as eligible. 5-J.Wright right end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q4 3:43 · CIN 15 · Score 45-21
47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

Cincinnati Bengals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
Joe Burrow (CIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Miami Dolphins on 2025-12-21?

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Miami Dolphins 45-21 in Week 16, 2025.

What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Miami Dolphins?

Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Miami Dolphins 7; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 10, Miami Dolphins 7; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Miami Dolphins 0; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Miami Dolphins 7; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 45, Miami Dolphins 21.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Miami Dolphins?

Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Higgins (J. Burrow pass) (Q1 4:02) Miami Dolphins touchdown — D. Achane (Q1 2:35) Miami Dolphins touchdown — M. Washington (Q2 2:30) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — S. Perine (Q2 1:28) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Brown (J. Burrow pass) (Q3 9:49) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Brown (Q3 8:37) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Brown (J. Burrow pass) (Q3 2:30) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — M. Gesicki (J. Burrow pass) (Q4 13:37) Miami Dolphins touchdown — J. Wright (Q4 3:47) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — E. McPherson (Q2 6:06, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Miami Dolphins?

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), 71.4% completion, +15.8% CPOE, +0.59 EPA per dropback, +20.73 total passing EPA. Quinn Ewers (Miami Dolphins), 62.5% completion, +1.6% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.18 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cincinnati Bengals vs Miami Dolphins?

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +20.73 total EPA on Passing plays. across 35 snaps. Their top snap (+3.53 EPA): (4:03) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep left to 1-J.Chase to MIA 12 for 36 yards (23-J.Jones)..

Season records after this game

Cincinnati Bengals

Entered 4-10 Now 5-10 W

Miami Dolphins

Entered 6-8 Now 6-9 L

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins: 2025 Week 16 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Bengals

Top fantasy performers · Dolphins

Quick answer

Game summary