Game Preview of Miami Dolphins @ Carolina Panthers. Week 5 of 2025 NFL Season
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.
| Date | Opponent | Result | ATS | O/U |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-09-28 | @ NE | L 13-42 | L 5.5 | o42.5 |
| 2025-09-21 | vs ATL | W 30-0 | W +-5.5 | u44.5 |
| 2025-09-14 | @ ARI | L 22-27 | L 7.0 | o45.5 |
| 2025-09-07 | @ JAX | L 10-26 | L 4.5 | u45.5 |
| 2025-01-05 | @ ATL | W 44-38 | L 7.5 | o48.5 |
| 2024-12-29 | @ TB | L 14-48 | L 9.5 | o47.5 |
| 2024-12-22 | vs ARI | W 36-30 | W +-5.5 | o47.0 |
| 2024-12-15 | vs DAL | L 14-30 | L 2.5 | o42.0 |
| 2024-12-08 | @ PHI | L 16-22 | L 14.0 | u44.5 |
| 2024-12-01 | vs TB | L 23-26 | L -6.5 | o46.0 |
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.
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.
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.
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 75 | #26 | 118 | #7 | |
| Total Points Per Game | 18.8 | #26 | 29.5 | #26 | 🏈 |
| Total Touchdowns | 8 | #24 | 13 | #26 | |
| Passing Touchdowns | 6 | #19 | 7 | #19 | 🏈 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 2 | #25 | 5 | #25 | 🏈 |
| Other Touchdowns | 0 | #25 | 1 | #24 | |
| Total Kicking Points | 21 | #29 | 36 | #7 | |
| Total Two Point Conversions | 0 | #15 | 2 | #2 | |
| Kick Extra Points | 6 | #25 | 9 | #12 |
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Passing Yards | 756 | #21 | 883 | #13 | |
| Net Passing Yards Per Game | 189 | #21 | 221 | #13 | |
| Passer Rating | 80.7 | #27 | 125 | #1 | |
| Passing Attempts | 150 | #4 | 107 | #5 | |
| Completions | 92 | #6 | 83 | #16 | |
| Completion Percentage | 61.3 | #26 | 77.6 | #32 | |
| Passing 1st downs | 45 | #12 | 47 | #20 | |
| Passing 1st Down % | 58.4 | #7 | 51.6 | #11 | |
| Longest Pass | 40 | #27 | 55 | #11 | |
| Passing Fumbles Lost | 1 | #9 | 1 | #18 | |
| Receiving Targets | 143 | #5 | 106 | #28 | |
| Receptions | 92 | #6 | 83 | #17 | |
| Receiving Yards After Catch | 416 | #19 | 487 | #26 | |
| YAC Average | 4.5 | #25 | 5.9 | #28 |
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 401 | #26 | 632 | #30 | |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 100 | #26 | 158 | #3 | |
| Rushing Attempts | 102 | #21 | 124 | #31 | |
| Yards Per Rush Attempt | 3.9 | #24 | 5.1 | #4 | |
| Rushing 1st downs | 24 | #21 | 36 | #28 | |
| 20+ Yard Rushing Plays | 2 | #20 | 4 | #6 | |
| Long Rushing | 22 | #26 | 43 | #15 | |
| Rushing Fumbles | 2 | #20 | 4 | #6 | |
| Rushing Fumbles Lost | 1 | #5 | 1 | #9 |