Miami Dolphins vs Cincinnati Bengals Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 12/21/25, 9:23 AM  by Erik Gibbs | Modified on 12/21/25 at 3:55 PM in NFL Picks

The Miami Dolphins enter their Week 16 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals with a 6–8 record, having stabilized their season after a disastrous opening stretch. Miami began the year with six losses in their first seven games, frequently falling behind early and struggling to close out competitive contests.

Since mid-November, however, their overall results have improved. The Dolphins put together a four-game winning streak that included both home and road victories, showing more consistency in game management and fewer breakdowns in key moments. Even in losses since that run, Miami has remained competitive for longer stretches, avoiding the blowout defeats that plagued them earlier in the season.

Cincinnati arrives with a 4–10 record and far less positive momentum. After starting the season 2–0, the Bengals endured a prolonged slump, losing 10 of their last 12 games. Several of those defeats were decisive, with Cincinnati frequently trailing by multiple scores before halftime.

Defensive lapses have been a recurring theme, particularly against balanced offenses, while the team has struggled to string together full four-quarter performances. Recent results have offered little encouragement, including a shutout loss and multiple double-digit defeats, leaving Cincinnati near the bottom of the AFC standings as the season winds down.