Monday Night Football Week 4 Recap: Broncos Dominate Bengals, Dolphins Earn First Win Despite Tyreek Hill Injury
Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season brought fans a thrilling Monday Night Football double-header, with one game unfolding in Denver and the other under the lights in Miami. The night ended with two very different storylines: the Denver Broncos bounced back with a commanding 28-3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Miami Dolphins secured their first victory of the season, edging out the New York Jets 27-21. But Miami’s celebration was overshadowed by a devastating injury to star wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the action from both games.
Bo Nix Shines in Career-Best Performance as Broncos Roll Past Bengals
Heading into Week 4, pressure was mounting on second-year quarterback Bo Nix. After a breakout rookie campaign that earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist honors, the Broncos had high expectations. But early struggles and two heartbreaking losses on last-second field goals left fans worried about Denver’s direction.
On Monday night, Nix silenced the critics with the best performance of his young career. He threw for a career-high 326 yards, completing 29 of 42 passes with two touchdowns and one interception. Nix also showed his mobility, scoring the game’s opening touchdown on a six-yard scramble.
“It feels a lot better when you win,” Nix said after the game. “There’s always going to be noise. The last few weeks have been tough because we lost close games where we had so many opportunities. But tonight, fixing mistakes feels a lot easier because we got the win.”
Denver’s offense came alive, racking up 512 total yards against a Bengals defense that had no answers. After falling behind 3-0 early, the Broncos scored 28 unanswered points.
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Nix’s rushing TD gave Denver the lead.
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Marvin Mims Jr. added a 16-yard rushing touchdown.
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Just before halftime, Courtland Sutton hauled in Nix’s first touchdown pass of the night.
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In the fourth quarter, rookie RJ Harvey caught his first career touchdown to seal the game.
Head coach Sean Payton praised the progress but reminded his team of the challenge ahead. “This was a step in the right direction,” Payton said. “We’ll enjoy this one, but next week we face the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. That’s a big test.”
For Cincinnati, the loss highlighted their struggles without star quarterback Joe Burrow, sidelined with turf toe. Backup Jake Browning managed only 125 passing yards, while Denver’s defense kept Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to a combined 55 yards. The Bengals dropped to 1-3, facing serious questions about their offensive line and depth.
Dolphins Beat Jets for First Win, But Tyreek Hill Suffers Devastating Injury
In Miami, the Dolphins finally ended their three-game losing streak with a 27-21 win over the New York Jets. However, the night quickly shifted from celebration to concern after superstar wideout Tyreek Hill suffered a severe knee injury.
Midway through the third quarter, Hill’s leg twisted awkwardly as he was tackled. The sight was gruesome, and medical staff rushed onto the field within seconds. Hill received an air cast and was carted off the field, clapping and waving to fans. He was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
Head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed after the game that Hill had suffered a dislocated knee. On Tuesday, reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed Hill also tore multiple ligaments, including his ACL, and will require season-ending surgery.
The injury stunned both teammates and fans. Hill, widely considered one of the league’s most explosive playmakers, had been central to Miami’s offense. His loss leaves a massive void as the Dolphins try to salvage their season.
Darren Waller Returns from Retirement to Lift Dolphins
While Hill’s injury overshadowed the game, the night also marked an inspiring comeback story. Darren Waller, the former Pro Bowl tight end, returned to NFL action after briefly retiring in 2024.
Waller, traded from the New York Giants to Miami in July, had not played since January 2024. On Monday, he reminded fans of his talent, catching two touchdowns and even recovering a late onside kick that sealed the victory.
“It’s exciting, just to be back out there,” Waller said. “I haven’t practiced a ton with the team, so there was some fear. But I just wanted to be someone this team could rely on. Tonight was special.”
His performance couldn’t have come at a better time. With Hill sidelined, Waller could quickly become a central figure in Miami’s offense.
Jets’ Struggles Continue Under New Head Coach
The loss kept the New York Jets winless at 0-4, adding more pressure on first-year head coach Aaron Glenn. Despite a late rally in the fourth quarter, the Jets’ offense once again looked stagnant, and their defense gave up big plays at crucial moments.
The defeat leaves Glenn still searching for his first win, while questions swirl around the team’s long-term direction.
What’s Next?
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The Broncos (2-2) face their toughest test yet when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. Bo Nix’s performance gives Denver momentum, but Payton knows consistency is key.
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The Bengals (1-3) must find a way to stay afloat without Burrow. Their season could spiral if the offense continues to sputter.
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The Dolphins (1-3) finally grabbed their first win, but Hill’s devastating injury casts a shadow on their season outlook. Expect Waller to see a bigger role moving forward.
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The Jets (0-4) remain one of the NFL’s struggling teams, and Aaron Glenn’s future could hinge on whether they turn things around quickly.
Final Takeaway
Week 4’s Monday Night Football doubleheader gave fans both excitement and heartbreak. Denver may have found its groove behind Bo Nix, while Miami finally earned its first win—only to lose Tyreek Hill to a crushing injury. As the NFL season moves forward, both teams face pivotal moments that could define their year.