Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 11, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
Network: FOX
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Burrow: START, Borderline QB1
Joe Burrow threw for over 400 yards and a score, but threw two picks and lost his top two wideouts in the same game. Neither Ja’Marr Chase nor Tee Higgins are officially out for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins, but it’s hard to imagine either is active in a game neither is really needed to win. Burrow is more of a borderline play this week due to the fact that both guys likely miss, and the Bengals can take a smooth ride to victory on the back of Chase Brown.
Running Back
Chase Brown: START, RB1
Samaje Perine: SIT
Tahj Brooks: SIT
It’s a little scary when you look at Chase Brown’s stats for Week 4 and see nine carries for 10 yards. But then you move your eyes a little to the right and see 11 catches for 71 yards and can breathe again. With the injuries at receiver the Bengals are dealing with and a top-five matchup against the Dolphins, Brown is an easy RB1 in Week 5 and a dark horse for the RB1 on the week.
Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase: OUT
Tee Higgins: OUT (Probably)
Dohnte Meyers: SIT
I know neither Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins are officially out at the time of writing, but I’d bet my left pinky toenail that neither plays this week. If either does, they’re obviously in your lineups. Could you play Dohnte Meyers if both guys are out? Sure. But the Dolphins allow the third fewest points to the position and have allowed just one touchdown to receivers. The limited upside makes the unlimited downside not worth the price of admission.
Tight End
Mike Gesicki: STREAMER
It’s a top three matchup for tight ends, and Mike Gesicki could be the biggest beneficiary of the injuries to Cincy’s receivers. As a favorite red zone target of Burrow this season, there’s definitely appeal to bank on another Gesicki Griddy in Week 5.
Defense/Special Teams
Cincinnati Bengals: START
Cincinnati is tied for the third most sacks per game and gets to face the hapless Dolphins averaging the fewest points per game in the league.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Malik Willis: SIT
Malik Willis had less than 100 yards last week. Combined. Passing and rushing. Yes, it was against the Vikings. Nah, I’m good on starting him.
Running Back
Ollie Gordon II: FLEX, RB3
Jaylen Wright: SIT
Ollie Gordon II got into the end zone for the second straight game and got over the century mark despite playing a mere 56% of snaps and saw just nine carries. You can’t expect that kind of efficiency or touchdown rate to continue, but it’s enough to consider Gordon a FLEX play against the Bengals. Jaylen Wright has more games with less than a point than he has over a point.
Wide Receiver
Malik Washington: START, WR3
Chris Bell: SIT
Caleb Douglas: OUT
Malik Washington is startable due to the fact that he’s pretty much the only guy who catches any passes in Miami now. There’s not much of a ceiling, and the floor has rotted through, but if you need a warm body who will probably get you 10 or so points, here ya go.
Tight End
Greg Dulcich: SIT
Greg Dulcich followed up his best game of the season with no catches or targets.
Defense/Special Teams
Miami Dolphins: SIT
A defense averaging one sack and fewer than a takeaway per game isn’t one you’re starting in fantasy.