Despite both teams being out of playoff contention, this matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins is anything but a non-event.
With talk swirling about his future, Joe Burrow needs to perform, while on the other sideline, rookie Quinn Ewers makes his first NFL start.
My Bengals vs. Dolphins predictions and NFL picks, however, point to a high-scoring affair.
Bengals vs Dolphins prediction
Bengals vs Dolphins Best bet: Over 47.5 (-110)
All the noise heading into this game is around the Miami Dolphins’ decision to bench Tua Tagovailoa and give Quinn Ewers his first start.
Ewers only has eight pass attempts so far in his NFL career, but despite usually fading seventh-round rookies making their debut, there are reasons to be optimistic that the Dolphins can do their bit to get this score up.
Namely, that a rookie can’t have an easier debut than against the NFL’s worst defense.
The Cincinnati Bengals are dead last in defensive DVOA, have allowed the fifth most passing yards per game, and have given up the most rushing yards per game, with a staggering 157.9.
Mike McDaniel might be on the hot seat, but there’s no doubting that he’s a smart offensive mind and should be able to dial up enough plays to get Ewers looking reasonable, especially with the Dolphins leaning on De’Von Achane.
On the other sideline, you have a Bengals offense that is simply far, far better when Joe Burrow is under center.
Last week felt like a real low for Burrow and one of his worst performances, but he has the belief and confidence to bounce back, and should do so against a bottom-half-of-the-league defense.
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Bengals vs Dolphins same-game parlay
De’Von Achane can hurt defenses in a variety of ways, and with the Bengals being first in rushing yards allowed and third in receiving yards allowed to running backs, he’s poised for a big Sunday.
Despite being questionable, we’re taking Darren Waller to find the endzone. The Bengals have given up a league high 15 touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season, and Waller is third in red zone targets for the Dolphins receiving corps, despite playing just seven of 14 games.
Bengals vs Dolphins SGP
- Over 47.5
- De’Von Achane Over 115.5 rushing + receiving yards
- Darren Waller anytime touchdown
Our big-ticket SGP: Bombs away for Burrow!
We’ll add Joe Burrow to bounce back and silence the talk around his future. He’s broken 259 passing yards in two of three games since returning from injury in Week 13.
Finally, we’re taking De'Von Achane to score, too. The Bengals have allowed 18 touchdowns to opposing RBs, the third most in the NFL, and Achane has already racked up 11 touchdowns to his name, despite the Dolphins’ struggles this season.
Bengals vs Dolphins SGP
- Over 47.5
- De’Von Achane Over 115.5 rushing + receiving yards
- Darren Waller anytime touchdown
- Joe Burrow Over 258.5 passing yards
- De’Von Achane anytime touchdown
Bengals vs Dolphins game predictions
Bengals vs Dolphins moneyline prediction
I like the Bengals in this game. The Dolphins have just one win against teams with a winning record this season, and the Bengals are 3-2 when Joe Burrow's been healthy.
Bengals vs Dolphins spread prediction
We'll back the Bengals as the Dolphins are 3-6 ATS against teams outside their division.
Bengals vs Dolphins Over/Under prediction
The Over is my best bet, as the Over is 8-6 in Bengals games this season.
Bengals vs Dolphins odds
- Spread: Bengals +1.5 | Dolphins -1.5
- Moneyline: Bengals -105 | Dolphins -115
- Over/Under: Over 50.5 | Under 50.5
More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Bengals vs Dolphins trend to know
The Bengals have cashed the second-half Over in nine of their last 15 games. Find more NFL betting trends for Bengals vs. Dolphins.
How to watch Bengals vs Dolphins
| Location | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL |
| Date | Sunday, December 21, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
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