Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 5, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Network: FOX
Miami Dolphins
Quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa: SIT, QB2 (startable in Superflex)
Tua Tagovaila has been the definition of a McDouble this season (high floor, low ceiling), although he may wind up more of a plain cheeseburger after losing Tyreek Hill for the season to a horrific knee injury. He has a new Happy Meal toy in Darren Waller, but Tua is only startable in Superflex and doesn’t have much of a ceiling.
Running Back
De’Von Achane: START, RB1
Ollie Gordon II: SIT
You don’t need me to tell you to start De’Von Archane. But did you know he shares a birthday (Oct. 13) with comedian Sacha Baron Cohen?
Wide Receiver
Tyreek Hill
Jaylen Waddle: START, WR2
Malik Washington: FLEX, WR5
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: SIT
With the loss of Tyreek Hill for the season, a new WR1 waddles up the depth chart for the Dolphins. Jaylen Waddle has proven he can be the No. 1, but the Panthers allow the third-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers. Waddle should be a volume-based WR2 with potential for spike weeks. Malik Washington is the only other Dolphins receiver I’m remotely interested in, although I want to see him produce before I’m ready to put him in any lineups.
Tight End
Darren Waller: START, TE1
MIAMI DOES HAVE A TIGHT END!
Considering the tight end landscape, Darren Waller is already worth starting as a TE1 after just one game, albeit catching two tuddys. The Panthers allow the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends, and the Dolphins need a second option behind Waddle.
Defense/Special Teams
Miami Dolphins: STREAMER (One Week)
Any D/ST facing the Panthers is in the streaming conversation.
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Bryce Young: SIT
Even against a Dolphins defense allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, I’m avoiding starting Bryce Young if possible. You can probably do so in 1QB leagues, but you may be forced to roll him out in Superflex. Sorry, I’m not too keen on starting a quarterback who’s totaled 271 passing yards and one touchdown over his past two games.
Running Back
Chuba Hubbard: START, RB2
Rico Dowdle: SIT, FLEX, RB3 if Hubbard OUT
Chuba Hubbard missed practice on Wednesday, and Panthers coach Dave Canales reported his calf injury was worse after Week 4 than it was going in. If Hubbard can go, he’s a solid RB2. If not, Rico Dowdle is a flex option against the Dolphins, who are allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Wide Receiver
Tetairoa McMillan: START, WR2
Xavier Legette: SIT
Hunter Renfrow: SIT
Jalen Coker????
You have to like the volume rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan is seeing, averaging nearly nine targets per game over his first four. But he’s yet to catch a touchdown and has just one 100-yard receiving game under his belt. He’s a volume-based WR2 facing a bottom-10 fantasy matchup in Miami. Make sure you grab Jalen Coker if you have the roster space, as he may make his season debut this week. But, you probably shouldn’t start him right off the bat.
Tight End
Ja’Tavion Sanders: SIT
You’re not starting any Panthers TEs in fantasy.
Defense/Special Teams
Carolina Panthers: SIT
The Panthers’ defense isn’t in consideration for fantasy.