NFLGame PreviewsMIA VS CAR Preview Week5 05-Oct-2025

Game Preview of Miami Dolphins @ Carolina Panthers. Week 5 of 2025 NFL Season

MIA logo

MIA

1-3-0
@
05OCT25
01:00pm
CAR logo

CAR

1-3-0
Bank of America Stadium

Game Preview

The Miami Dolphins visit the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, October 5 at 1:00 PM ET at Bank of America Stadium. Both teams enter at 1-3, making this a pivotal game for playoff hopes and job security.

The biggest storyline is Miami losing Tyreek Hill for the season. Hill’s speed and deep threat defined the Dolphins’ offence. Now Jaylen Waddle takes over as the lead receiver. Darren Waller, who scored twice in his debut last week, could also play a bigger role if his leg holds up.

Carolina are reeling after a 42-13 loss to New England. Bryce Young’s struggles have raised questions about his long-term role. The Panthers need their run game to steady the offence, but lead back Chuba Hubbard is nursing a calf injury. If he can’t go, Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne step in behind a banged-up offensive line.

Both coaches face pressure. Mike McDaniel is under scrutiny in Miami despite ending a losing streak, while Dave Canales’ 6-15 record has Panthers insiders questioning his future. A win here could ease the heat. A loss could turn up the temperature.

Current Season Form

MIA logo

MIA

Away
Record:1-3-0
ATS:2-2-0
O/U:3-1-0
CAR logo

CAR

Home
Record:1-3-0
ATS:2-2-0
O/U:2-2-0

Head-to-Head Summary

Record:
3-2Winner logo
ATS:4-1-0
O/U:3-2-0

Past Results

DateOpponentResultATSO/U
2025-09-28@ NEL 13-42L 5.5o42.5
2025-09-21vs ATLW 30-0W +-5.5u44.5
2025-09-14@ ARIL 22-27L 7.0o45.5
2025-09-07@ JAXL 10-26L 4.5u45.5
2025-01-05@ ATLW 44-38L 7.5o48.5
2024-12-29@ TBL 14-48L 9.5o47.5
2024-12-22vs ARIW 36-30W +-5.5o47.0
2024-12-15vs DALL 14-30L 2.5o42.0
2024-12-08@ PHIL 16-22L 14.0u44.5
2024-12-01vs TBL 23-26L -6.5o46.0

Key Insights

 

  • Miami ground attack vs Carolina front: Dolphins lead with a 7.2% explosive run rate (94th pct). Panthers rank just 27th at stopping big runs.

  • Third-down split: Miami converts at a 51.1% clip (97th pct), while Carolina’s defence stops 62.8% (59th). Drive-sustaining plays may decide the game.

  • No Tyreek Hill factor: Without Hill, Miami’s explosive pass rate sits just 4.8% (14th pct). Deep-pass threat is gone.

  • Carolina OL injuries: With multiple guards and the centre out, Bryce Young’s protection could crack even against Miami’s average 6.1% sack rate generated.

  • Red-zone efficiency: Dolphins score TDs on 80% of red-zone trips (97th pct). Panthers aren’t far behind at 70% (86th).

  • Defensive holes: Miami allows 9.6% explosive runs (worst percentile) and haven’t generated turnovers at a high rate.

 

Betting Insights

 

  • Spread: Dolphins -2.5 (-106). Market leans Miami despite Hill’s absence.

  • Total: 45.0 (Over -110, Under -123). Juice shaded to the Under.

  • Moneyline (90 mins): Dolphins -114, Panthers -101. Effectively a toss-up.

  • Team totals: Dolphins 22.5 (O -122, U -116). Panthers 21.5 (O -120, U -119).

  • Prop markets:

    • Jaylen Waddle over 60.5 yards (-120). He’s now the clear WR1.

    • De’Von Achane over 67.5 rush yards (-122). Explosive-run matchup if active.

    • Darren Waller anytime TD (+275). Strong red-zone role, but monitor Q tag.

    • Bryce Young under 212.5 yards (-118). Below 200 in 3 of 4 games.

    • Malik Washington over 31.5 yards (-122). Could benefit from Miami’s shaky coverage.

 

Final Summary

This game comes down to how well Miami adjust without Tyreek Hill and whether Carolina can protect Bryce Young behind a patched-up line. The Dolphins’ ground game has been explosive, and Achane offers a strong matchup against Carolina’s soft run defence if he suits up.

The Panthers’ best path is limiting Miami’s red-zone efficiency and leaning on quick passes to Malik Washington or Tetairoa McMillan. But if Hubbard is limited, their ground game could stall.

At Dolphins -2.5, the line suggests a close contest. Both teams are flawed, but Miami’s ability to run and finish drives gives them the edge. The total at 45.0 reflects shaky defences, though heavy juice to the Under points to risk of stalled drives.

Expect a scrappy, low-margin game where coaching pressure and injuries loom large. Miami have more ways to win if their running backs stay healthy, while Carolina need Bryce Young to finally break out.

Statistical Battle Boards

Viewing: CAR Offense vs MIA Defense
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Total Points75#26118#7MIA advantage
Total Points Per Game18.8#2629.5#26🏈
Total Touchdowns8#2413#26CAR advantage
Passing Touchdowns6#197#19🏈
Rushing Touchdowns2#255#25🏈
Other Touchdowns0#251#24MIA advantage
Total Kicking Points21#2936#7MIA advantage
Total Two Point Conversions0#152#2MIA advantage
Kick Extra Points6#259#12MIA advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Net Passing Yards756#21883#13MIA advantage
Net Passing Yards Per Game189#21221#13MIA advantage
Passer Rating80.7#27125#1MIA advantage
Passing Attempts150#4107#5CAR advantage
Completions92#683#16CAR advantage
Completion Percentage61.3#2677.6#32CAR advantage
Passing 1st downs45#1247#20CAR advantage
Passing 1st Down %58.4#751.6#11CAR advantage
Longest Pass40#2755#11MIA advantage
Passing Fumbles Lost1#91#18CAR advantage
Receiving Targets143#5106#28CAR advantage
Receptions92#683#17CAR advantage
Receiving Yards After Catch416#19487#26CAR advantage
YAC Average4.5#255.9#28CAR advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Rushing Yards401#26632#30CAR advantage
Rushing Yards Per Game100#26158#3MIA advantage
Rushing Attempts102#21124#31CAR advantage
Yards Per Rush Attempt3.9#245.1#4MIA advantage
Rushing 1st downs24#2136#28CAR advantage
20+ Yard Rushing Plays2#204#6MIA advantage
Long Rushing22#2643#15MIA advantage
Rushing Fumbles2#204#6MIA advantage
Rushing Fumbles Lost1#51#9CAR advantage