The Miami Dolphins return home this Sunday, October 11, 2026, to face the Cincinnati Bengals. The two franchises first met in October 1970 and have squared off 27 times since, with Miami holding an 18-9 advantage in the all-time series. The Dolphins have enjoyed success in October matchups against Cincinnati, posting a 10-1 record.
The rivalry has produced several memorable moments over the years. Take a look back at some of the most notable chapters in Dolphins-Bengals history below:
2013 | Cameron Wake's Walk-Off Safety
On Halloween in 2013, Cincinnati visited Hard Rock Stadium for a Thursday Night Football matchup. Miami's defense intercepted Andy Dalton three times, including one by Brent Grimes that he returned for a 94-yard pick six. However, the biggest play of the night was made in overtime. As Cincinnati looked for the win, Cameron Wake sacked Dalton in the end zone for a safety, giving Miami a 22-20 overtime win. It marked Wake's third sack of the game and was the third walk-off safety in NFL history.
1994 - 95 | The Shula Bowls
Don Shula coached two games against his son, David, who served as the head coach of the Bengals from 1992-96.
- Shula Bowl I (Oct. 2, 1994): The game was the first in NFL history to have a father vs. son coaching matchup. Played at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, the elder Shula's Dolphins scored 23 unanswered points to defeat the Bengals, 23-7. Dan Marino threw for 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Miami's defense recorded three interceptions.
- Shula Bowl II (Oct. 1, 1995): The father-son duo met for a second time in the following season, with the sides playing a more closely contested game. Down four with just over three minutes remaining, Marino led the Dolphins on a 10-play, 91-yard touchdown drive to regain the lead. Marino found O.J. McDuffie for a 16-yard score to put Miami ahead with 1:15 remaining in the game. Cincinnati looked to send the game to overtime, but their 45-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left, ensuring Shula's undefeated record over his son.
1973 | Playoff Game - AFC Divisional Round
Miami's lone playoff game against the Bengals came on December 23, 1973 in the 1973 AFC Divisional Round. The 10-5 Bengals looked to upend the defending Super Bowl champion Dolphins, who entered the postseason with a 12-2 record. In front of more than 75,000 fans at the Orange Bowl, the Dolphins dismantled Cincinnati in a 34-16 win. Bob Griese tossed two touchdown passes, while Mercury Morris, Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick combined for 228 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. The win helped propel Miami to the franchise's second Super Bowl title.
