The Carolina Panthers return home looking to rebound from last week’s 42-13 loss in New England. The Miami Dolphins arrive at Bank of America Stadium trying to build on their Monday night win over the Jets. Both teams enter Week 5 dealing with injuries to key offensive players. Carolina’s top rusher Chuba Hubbard is out with a calf injury, and Miami begins its first full game without Tyreek Hill. With young quarterbacks, protection concerns, and plenty of speed on both sides, here are five bold predictions for Sunday’s matchup.
1. Jaylen Waddle records his first 100-yard game of the season
With Hill out for the season, Jaylen Waddle steps into the role of top target. When Hill is off the field, Waddle commands a 25 percent target share and averages 11.8 yards per reception. His chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stretches back to their Alabama days, and he remains one of the NFL’s most efficient route runners.
The Panthers have allowed opponents to complete 72 percent of their passes and have given up a 90-yard receiver in three of four games. Carolina’s linebackers have struggled to cover the middle of the field, which opens space for Waddle’s quick slants and deep crossing routes. Expect Waddle to top 100 yards and remind everyone that Miami’s passing game is still dangerous without Hill.
2. Bryce Young throws for three touchdowns
Bryce Young has shown steady improvement but continues to face pressure. He was sacked once in Foxborough yet pressured 11 times and finished with 5.5 yards per attempt. His accuracy and turnover avoidance have been positives, but Carolina’s lack of explosive plays limits the ceiling of Dave Canales’ offense.
Miami’s defense ranks among the top 10 in pressure rate. Edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb consistently win on the perimeter, and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver mixes in heavy blitz looks on third down. Young should find success on quick throws to Tetairoa McMillan and tight end Tommy Tremble, but the Dolphins’ speed up front will likely lead to four sacks before the game is over.
But the Panthers will need Young to be money in the red zone to keep up with the Dolphins’ offense.
3. Rico Dowdle surpasses 100 total yards
With Hubbard sidelined, Rico Dowdle will handle the majority of Carolina’s backfield workload. The former Dallas Cowboy rushed for 1,000 yards last season and brings a physical, downhill style that fits the Panthers’ inside zone scheme. Behind a reshuffled offensive line that now includes Brady Christensen at right guard, Dowdle could find early running lanes against an inconsistent Miami front.
The Dolphins have allowed nearly 200 rushing yards per game over the past two weeks, including 197 to the Jets. Opponents are averaging 4.7 yards per carry against Miami. If Carolina can stay on schedule and avoid third-and-long situations, Dowdle has a strong chance to top 100 total yards and give the offense balance it has lacked all year.
4. Darren Waller scores another touchdown
Tight end Darren Waller returned last week with two touchdowns in his Dolphins debut and immediately became a key part of Tagovailoa’s red zone options. His combination of size and athleticism makes him difficult to defend in tight coverage. The Panthers’ safeties have allowed tight ends to catch at least five passes in three of four games, including a 31-yard score by Hunter Henry against New England.
Tagovailoa has completed 73 percent of his passes inside the red zone this season. If Miami establishes the run early, play-action will create matchups for Waller against Carolina’s slower linebackers. Expect the 6-foot-6 veteran to score again and continue his comeback story
5. Carolina keeps it close but Miami wins
The Dolphins’ record does not reflect their underlying efficiency. They rank among the top five in offensive success rate and continue to dominate time of possession with a balanced attack. Even without Hill, they produced 390 yards of offense and four first-half touchdowns against the Jets.
Carolina ranks 28th in explosive plays with only 18 of 15 yards or more. The Panthers average just 5.1 yards per pass attempt and struggle to sustain drives beyond the 40-yard line. The defense remains inconsistent against the run, allowing 4.6 yards per carry. Miami should control the tempo and pull away late, though Dowdle’s emergence and a sharper Young performance will keep it competitive.
