The Miami Dolphins’ Week 5 game feels like one its most unpredictable matchups yet.
Neither defense is all that stout, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see a bit of a shootout. But both have struggled to find a groove on offense and could be without top players.
That makes the players’ fantasy football outlooks murky. Most owners of Dolphins and Panthers players likely feel slighted four weeks into the season.
With the teams preparing to face off against each other this week, fantasy managers could see any range of outcomes, and emotions.
Here are seven Dolphins/Panthers players that could help or hurt your Week 5 fantasy lineup:
SIT: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
Four weeks into the 2025 season, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has mostly disappointed his fantasy football managers, even if that’s likely the last thing on his mind. Unfortunately, he’s in a tough situation in Week 5 as well.
The biggest issue Tagovailoa faces is putting up a strong performance without former All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill. With the star pass catcher out for the rest of the season, this matchup could reveal a lot about who will fill the void left by Hill.
Even though Carolina’s defense has had its troubles this season, it’s still a risky time to start Tagovailoa. The Panthers pass rush is weak, and the secondary doesn’t have many quality players. But if Hill’s absence affects the quarterback, it’s hard to see him having a prolific output.
SIT: Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle
It’s fair to assume that Jaylen Waddle will be the receiver to step up with Hill out due to injury. But this week might not be the week to insert him into fantasy lineups.
I wouldn’t blame someone for immediately giving him the start. In fact, I have been forced to do the same in some deeper leagues.
But Carolina might have just enough to give Waddle headaches. Cornerback Jaycee Horn is debatably the only notable player in the Carolina secondary, and with Hill out, Horn and the safeties will likely make it their mission to prevent Waddle from moving the ball.
START: Dolphins WR Malik Washington
Malik Washington has the most to gain from an increased role. The receiver already solidified himself as the third-best target on the team. The absence of Hill gives him even more chances to succeed.
Washington doesn’t have the exact same skillset as Hill, but it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if coach Mike McDaniel decided to give him some of the same opportunities.
If Washington doesn’t have a career-best day, his performance should be viewed as a letdown.
START: Dolphins TE Darren Waller
After just one game and 16 total snaps, it’s clear that tight end Darren Waller could be stellar in this Miami offense.
In his first game with the Dolphins, Waller tallied three catches for 27 yards and two touchdowns. McDaniel already knows how to scheme Waller open in the red zone, and Hill’s absence makes this ability even more necessary.
On top of that, the Carolina linebacker room might be the worst in the NFL. Waller should have plenty of mismatches and plenty of targets.
SIT: Panthers QB Bryce Young
At the end of last season, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young took clear strides in his performance. This year, though, he hasn’t been great.
As is, Young’s game doesn’t suit itself for fantasy production. Given how the Panthers’ season has gone so far, there aren’t many reasons to give Young the start.
The Miami defense has been bad so far this season, so Young could find some success. But there are better weeks to start the Dolphins’ opponent’s passer.
START: Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan
Most fans of college football knew how special Tetairoa McMillan was before he reached the NFL. Now, everyone knows the talent he provides an offense.
McMillan has wasted no time becoming a No. 1 receiver for the Panthers and a starter for fantasy managers.
He already has 45.8 PPR points through four games this season, and this could be his best matchup yet. Miami just doesn’t have anyone that matches up with the physical receiver favorably.
Start: Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard/Rico Dowdle
There’s a chance Panthers starting running back Chuba Hubbard doesn’t suit up on Sunday. Regardless if it’s Hubbard or Rico Dowdle, whoever gets the start for Carolina should probably be in fantasy managers’ starting lineups.
Hubbard could be a last-second decision, so there is some inherent risk in starting him. But if Carolina is confident in his health, he is an easy start against a subpar Miami run defense.
If Dowdle gets the nod, he could prove why Carolina paid him in the offseason. Dowdle was a valuable starter for the Dallas Cowboys last season, and he’s a worthy starter if Hubbard misses Sunday’s game.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins vs. Panthers: 7 players to sit/start in fantasy football
Reporting by Kyle Bumpers, Dolphins Wire / Dolphins Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
