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The Dolphins were up big on the Bengals in Week 16, but allowed the team that’s solidified itself as the worst team in the NFL to execute an unlikely comeback. Cincinnati outscored Miami 23-7 in the fourth quarter and surprisingly recovered an onside kick that led to a touchdown in the closing seconds of regulation during that stretch, tying the game.
But the Dolphins managed to edge the Bengals in the finals two minutes of overtime with a field goal to claim a 38-35 victory. But it’s not all bad for the losing team.
Cincinnati has officially secured the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Bengals can’t finish any better than 2-14 this year and will get dibs on the top incoming talent come April. Many expect them to select LSU’s star quarterback Joe Burrow, which could mark the beginning of a lengthy rebuilding process.
Miami on the other hand is neck and neck with the Giants, Washington, and the Lions. But it appears to be a lock to receive a top five pick and has stockpiled selections for the later rounds in the 2020 draft as well. The Dolphins have 14 picks in all and the rise of Burrow might give them a snag Tua Tagovailoa, a player that Miami has been reportedly been eyeing for some time now. Look for Miami to fill some other more glaring holes as well with its plethora of picks. As they could certainly use some help on the offensive line, at the running back position, and at multiple positions on defense.
Miami’s offense looked strong on Sunday though and was led by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, WR DeVante Parker, and TE Mike Gesicki. Fitzpatrick is not stranger monster games throwing the football. He was a crucial part of Tampa Bay’s lethal deep-ball attack last year and hurled the pigskin for 419 yards and four touchdowns against Cincinnati. One of those touchdowns went to Parker, who notched five receptions for 111 yards. The other two went to Gesicki, who finished with 82 receiving yards on six catches.
Cincinnati’s Andy Dalton threw for 396 yards and four scores. Tyler Boyd caught two touchdown passes, one of which came in the final minute of the contest. The WR1 finished with eight catches for 99 yards. Tyler Eifert and C.J. Ozomah also found the end zone through the air.