Dolphins vs. Panthers Point Spread: NFL Week 5 Odds, Prediction
The Miami Dolphins, fresh off their first win of the season, head to Charlotte to take on the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at 1 pm ET.
Miami improved to 1-3 after defeating the winless New York Jets at home on Monday Night Football, prevailing 27-21 in a contest that cost them wide receiver Tyreek Hill. The eight-time Pro Bowler dislocated his knee in the third quarter and is out for the season.
The Panthers are exhibiting Jekyll and Hyde tendencies as they dropped to 1-3 after losing to the New England Patriots last week, 42-13, just a week after shutting out the Atlanta Falcons at home.
The NFL odds board has the Dolphins as short 1.5-point favourites in Carolina.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Dolphins and Panthers are both 2-2 against the spread this year. Miami is 1-1 ATS on the road, while Carolina is 1-0 ATS at home. The Dolphins are 7-1 against the spread and 6-2 straight up in their last eight meetings with Carolina, and have lost five of their last six road contests, including both road games so far this season.The Panthers are 9-4 against the spread in their last 13 games dating back to last season, including 6-1 ATS in their last seven home games.
Miami has played to the over three times in four games, while the Panthers have played to the over twice. Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is currently listed at -110 to throw more than 1.5 touchdowns. He has thrown for two touchdowns in each of the past three games. Conversely, Carolina QB Bryce Young is currently +120 to throw more than 1.5 touchdowns, something he has only done once in four contests.
Miami Dolphins
Hill’s absence leaves a massive void in coach Mike McDaniel’s offence, which was predicated heavily on Hill’s playmaking abilities.
Jaylen Waddle steps into the WR1 role, and Malik Washington needs to step up on the outside. Running back De’Von Achane, who had 99 yards and a touchdown on the ground last week, becomes even more important out of the backfield.
But the biggest contributor could be the least likely one. Tight end Darren Waller, who was out of the league for over a year, had three catches last week for two touchdowns. He becomes an immediate red-zone favourite for Tagovailoa.
Carolina Panthers
Every time Young takes two steps forward, he seems to take two steps back. He was ineffective again last week against New England, completing 18 passes for 150 yards before being replaced late again by Andy Dalton, who went 5-for-6 for 58 yards and a score in relief.
He doesn’t have to put up Pro Bowl-like numbers. He just has to protect the ball and get his team into the end zone more, and he needs to rediscover the chemistry he had with rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Those two clicked during training camp and in the first couple of weeks of the season.
As long as Young can’t put two consecutive standout performances under center together, it’s hard to see Carolina taking the next step.
Who Will Win Dolphins vs. Panthers?
The last time the Panthers played in Bank of America Stadium, they shut out Atlanta 30-0 in a dominating defensive performance. Can they do something similar against a Dolphins offence bereft of their most dangerous weapon?
Miami is 0-2 on the road, but those defeats came against the Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills, who are a combined 7-1. The Panthers don’t compare. Look for the Dolphins to do just enough to hold on for a 21-17 triumph.
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