Dolphins Turn to Rookie QB Quinn Ewers in Week 16 Matchup vs. Bengals
The Miami Dolphins are officially out of the playoff picture, but there’s still plenty to watch for as they host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. And it all starts under center.
After six seasons with Tua Tagovailoa as the starter when healthy, Miami is making a bold move: seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers will get the nod for his first NFL start. It’s a significant pivot for a franchise that’s been trying to find long-term stability at quarterback - and while the postseason is no longer in play, what happens over the next few weeks could have ripple effects well into the offseason.
Ewers Era Begins
There’s no sugarcoating it - this is a big moment for both Ewers and the Dolphins. The rookie has spent most of the season developing behind the scenes, but now he’s being thrown into the fire with two games left on the schedule.
For Miami, it's a chance to evaluate what they have in Ewers beyond the practice field. For the quarterback himself, it's the opportunity of a lifetime - a shot to show he belongs at the pro level.
This isn’t just about one game. With Tagovailoa’s future in Miami uncertain, every snap Ewers takes could shape the Dolphins’ offseason strategy, from the draft to potential moves in free agency. If he flashes the poise and arm talent that made him a standout in college, he could force the front office to rethink its plans.
Tee Higgins Set to Return for Bengals
On the other side, the Bengals are also playing out the string, sitting even further back in the AFC standings. But they’ll get a key piece of their offense back on the field.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins, who missed last week due to a concussion, is expected to suit up against the Dolphins. Cincinnati has been cautious with his recovery, but reports indicate he’s made solid progress and is ready to go.
Higgins’ return gives the Bengals a boost in the passing game, especially with Miami’s secondary showing signs of vulnerability in recent weeks. His presence alongside Ja'Marr Chase adds another layer for the Dolphins’ defense to contend with - and gives quarterback Jake Browning a full arsenal to work with.
How to Watch Dolphins vs. Bengals
The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast regionally on CBS.
Fans in the broadcast area can also stream the game on Fubo and Paramount+. For those outside the region, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube is your go-to option.
What’s Left on the Dolphins’ 2025 Schedule
Miami’s rollercoaster season has been full of highs and lows. After a brutal 0-3 start, the Dolphins clawed their way back into the mix with some impressive wins midseason - including a statement victory over the Bills in Week 10. But consistency has been elusive, and last week’s loss to the Steelers officially shut the playoff door.
Here’s how the rest of their schedule shapes up:
- Week 16: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (Dec. 21, 8:20 p.m.
ET)
- Week 17: vs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Dec. 28, 1 p.m. ET)
- Week 18: at New England Patriots (Jan. 4 or 5, time TBD)
The final stretch will be all about development and evaluation. Whether it’s Ewers showing what he can do, young players stepping into bigger roles, or the coaching staff testing new looks - these next two games matter, even without postseason implications.
Bottom Line
The Dolphins may be out of the playoff race, but this Week 16 matchup is far from meaningless. With a new quarterback under center and a chance to shape the future of the franchise, Miami enters Sunday with more at stake than the standings suggest. And for the Bengals, getting Higgins back on the field gives them a chance to finish strong and build some momentum of their own heading into the offseason.
It’s a different kind of December football - less about seeding and more about setting the stage for what’s next.