Dolphins vs. Panthers Final Score Prediction: Three bold bets for Miami in the trenches amid Miami's search for a second win in 2025

Dolphins become second team in 2025 to rush for 150+ yards against the Panthers

The Dolphins have turned the corner with the run game, it would seem. After running for just 139 yards as a team through the first two games combined, Miami has averaged 126.5 yards per game over their last two. Carolina has a stout collection of defensive tackles that could cause some problems for Miami's interior offensive line — but Turk Wharton has been ruled out for this game and the edges of the defense loom as an area that Miami's remaining speed can still shine. The Jaguars rushed for 200 yards against the Panthers in Week 1 — and 12 of the last 16 games Carolina has played have yielded at least 150 rushing yards to opponents. But it's been three straight games since someone has achieved the feat. Miami, especially without Tyreek Hill in the fray, should get that trend back against the Panthers.

Dolphins' run game offense by the numbers in 2025

• Dolphins rank 31st in the NFL in rush attempts through four weeks (83 attempts)
• Dolphins rank 8th in the NFL in yards per rush (4.7 yards per rush)
• Wide receiver Malik Washington is averaging two rushes for 15 yards per game through four weeks

The Dolphins run defense concedes less than 100 yards rushing to an opponent since Week 16 of last season

The Dolphins' run defense has given up 150+ rushing yards to opponents in three of their first four games this season. It's been tough sledding for Miami's front while breaking in some of their younger talent on the interior and getting the rust knocked off by several of their top edge defenders.

The San Francisco 49ers are the last team to play Miami and not crack triple digits on the ground — the injuries to Carolina's running game should help put them into that club. The team is down two-thirds of the starting interior line and their best running back in Chuba Hubbard, leaving Rico Dowdle and rookie Trevor Etienne to try to test Miami.

And, unlike the Jets and Bills, who have prolific runners at quarterback, Bryce Young hasn't been using his legs much this season. He's averaging just 12 rushing yards per game in the first month of the season.

The Dolphins do something they haven't since Weeks 14 & 15 of the 2023 season

The Dolphins produced three turnovers against the Jets in Week 4 after logging none through the first three games. And while Carolina has gotten progressively better at protecting the football thus far this season, Miami should like their chances with a young back presumably getting extra run behind Dowdle and Bryce Young's historical rate of taking sacks — which could put the ball in harm's way. Young has had a fumble in each of the last two games for the Panthers.

So what's the prediction here? Two turnovers for Miami again this week, which would be the first time in nearly two full seasons (Tennessee & the New York Jets in December of 2023) that Miami posted multiple turnovers in consecutive games.

Final Score Prediction

One of the most true sayings in sports is that it is never quite as bad or good as it feels. Things haven't felt good for Miami in September — but there's some signs of progress in their Week 4 win over the New York Jets. The Dolphins are a healthier team, despite their extensive injuries to the offensive side of the ball and cornerback. They still have significant speed challenges for Carolina. And while Mike McDaniel and Anthony Weaver have been maligned this season, the Dolphins appear to be a better coached team right now, too. It hasn't been good. But it hasn't been as bad as it's felt at times, either.

All that adds up to enough variables for Miami to come out on top in Week 5.

Miami Dolphins - 27 :: Carolina Panthers - 16

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