Cincinnati Bengals @ Miami Dolphins
Final Score: Bengals 31, Dolphins 24
Writer: Pranav Babarjung
Three Up
- Joe Burrow — Burrow tossed four TDs to four players for a solid fantasy performance.
- Ja’Marr Chase — Chase cleared concussion protocol and returned to double-digit targets and a highlight touchdown grab.
- Ollie Gordon II — Gordon continues to prove that he is the RB to have in this backfield. He was efficient on the ground and found the end zone.
Three Down
- Chase Brown — Brown ceded significant touches to Samaje Perine, was less efficient, and didn’t get the score.
- Chris Bell — The rookie had no receptions and his only production came from one attempt on the ground.
- Jaylen Wright — Wright was the clear backup to Gordon, getting only a few low value touches.
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Burrow: 23/32, 190 Yards, 4 TDs | 4 Carries, 10 Yards
A low passing yardage day from Burrow still yielded a solid fantasy performance thanks to four passing touchdowns to four players. The Bengals were in the lead for most of the game, so he didn’t feel the need to push the ball down the field too heavily. There were only three targets of 20-plus yards, including the 45-yard TD to Ja’Marr Chase. He actually overthrew Chase on what would have been a slightly longer TD the drive before the score. A solid scoreline in a game that Burrow didn’t have to sling it.
Running Back
Samaje Perine: 14 Carries, 68 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 10 Yards, TD
Chase Brown: 13 Carries, 39 Yards, | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 21 Yards, Fumble (Lost)
Perine outcarried Brown in what was supposed to be a blow-up game for Brown. Similar to last week, Brown was the far more inefficient back on the ground. Perine came away with the touchdown early in the game, and was the back in for most of the Bengals’ red-zone drives. Part of this has to do with the fact that the Bengals had the lead, but the fumble from Brown didn’t do him any favors. I’m sure load management was a concern in this extreme heat, but Perine just looked like the better option. Brown’s early season slump seems to be mandatory and it remains to be seen if he can turn it around after the week 6 bye.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Ja’Marr Chase: 10 Targets, 6 Receptions, 77 Yards, TD
Chase was the only receiver on the team who saw any consistent volume. Most of his production came from a 45-yard TD late in the third. He was able to come down with a 50-50 ball, much to Eric Collins‘ delight. Chase also had a 4-yard end-zone target that he didn’t manage to come down with.
JA'MARR CHASE ARE YOU SERIOUS@CINvsMIA on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/k4RKY5bLbY— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2026
Erick All Jr.: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards
Even as the second-leading pass catcher, All only puts up 25 yards as one of four tight ends who saw usage.
Tee Higgins: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 22 Yards
Zac Taylor made it clear that Higgins wouldn’t get much playtime Sunday, and it shows in his stat line. He did have one of the only three deep targets thrown by Burrow, and was still second in targets.
Tanner Hudson: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 21 Yards, TD
Another member of this revolving door of a tight end room and one of the two who scored.
Dohnte Meyers: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 12 Yards
The rookie saw more work as a returner than as a receiver, even with Higgins’ limited role. Not really fantasy-related, but he had a little misplay on a punt return, catching the punt and stepping out of bounds rather than catching it out of bounds to get the penalty, before immediately realizing what he did.
Drew Sample: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Mike Gesicki: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 4 Yards, TD
Gesicki seemed to be in for a big fantasy day after catching his TD on the Bengals’ first drive, but it ended up being his only reception.
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Malik Willis: 15/27, 137 Yards, TD, 2 PT-Conversion, 2 INTs | 8 Carries, 74 Yards, TD, 2 Fumbles (1 Lost)
Willis was 1-of-7 to start the game, with most of his first-half completions coming in the final 55 seconds. He had three turnovers in this game, and it very easily could have been five, if the respective defenders managed to hold onto the passes he so courteously gave them. BUT PASSING ISN’T WHY HE WAS DRAFTED. Willis gets it done on the ground, with 74 yards and a TD off a late-fourth QB sneak. The passing play is more of a concern for fantasy managers with Miami receivers, rather than Willis managers.
Running Back
Ollie Gordon II: 18 Carries, 88 Yards, TD
If you were going to start a Miami RB, Gordon would be the one. Despite being 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, he looked quick and shifty on the field. He was the goal-line option, and was almost in for a second score but was ruled down at the two as he extended for the end zone. The only knock to his game is the weak offense (against more stout defenses) and the lack of receiving production.
Jaylen Wright: 6 Carries, 11 Yards
Wright is just not startable. Gordon is the clear better back and the usage shows. It’s possible that he could improve as he gets further removed from his injury.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Malik Washington: 8 Targets, 6 Receptions, 43 Yards | 1 Carry, 18 Yards
Washington led this receiving room and had potential for an even bigger day. There were two distinct plays where he was wide open in the end zone, but as Willis rolled right he was locked onto another player. He can be a questionable flex play as the number one receiving option, as long as Caleb Douglas misses time.
Greg Dulcich: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 37 Yards, 2-Point Conversion
Dulcich had an OK performance as the second-leading pass catcher. His lone missed target was an end-zone toss where he was smothered. He was able to scoop up the low thrown two-point conversion though.
Kevin Coleman: 7 Targets, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards, TD
Coleman was inches away from adding a second TD to his stat line, but set up the QB sneak instead. He was targeted consistently throughout the game and was the target on both of Willis’ interceptions.
Jalen Tolbert: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 22 Yards
Will Kacmarek: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 5 Yards
Chris Bell: 2 Targets, 0 Receptions | 1 Carry, 26 Yards
The rookie had a disappointing day, with minimal targets, no receptions, and his only production coming from one rush. Douglas’ return will further hinder his fantasy output.