Tyreek Hill’s season-ending injury casts a dubious light on the outlook of the Miami Dolphins.
What will the offense look like? Can they survive without him? What does that mean for players like De’Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle and Malik Washington?
Ahead of the Dolphins’ Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, I dove into what to expect for the team’s first game without Hill. Overall, the outlook should be considered positive for Achane and the overall receiver group — if you haven’t already, pick up Washington — but the Panthers game poses more problems than you might think.
Let’s dive in:
START
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane:
This man has pretty much become a lineup lock.
Not only does he lead the team in rushes and yardage, Achane is tied for first in touchdown catches, second in receptions and targets, as well as third in yards.
He now faces a Panthers team that ranks in the bottom 10 against the run. And with the absence of Hill, the third-year tailback will surely see an uptick in his usage during passing downs.
SIT
Panthers QB Bryce Young:
Although drafting Tetairoa McMillan finally gives Young a great receiver threat, the unit overall can only be described as lackluster.
Add on the fact that the Panthers won a game 30-0 in which he didn’t record a single passing touchdown, and Young’s outlook appears bleak — even if the Dolphins rank 20th against the pass. .
Don’t expect big numbers from a guy who has failed to do so all season, regardless of the competition.
WAIT & SEE
Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle:
The former Alabama standout’s inclusion on this portion has nothing to do with Waddle’s ability to handle the workload of No. 1 wide receiver.
Instead, it’s about the matchup against Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn, who’s partly responsible for his team’s second-best ranking against opposing wideouts, per ESPN Fantasy. Put differently, opposing receivers have recorded the second-least fantasy points on the Panthers in 2025.
While Waddle can certainly handle the increase in targets, there’s some moderate concern in his ability to showcase his talents this week.
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle:
Yes, the Dolphins have the third-worst run defense in the league. Yes, the New York Jets hung nearly 200 rushing yards on them. And yes, the Dolphins are one of eight teams to allow at least five rushing touchdowns.
That said, can you confidently start a backup tailback in Dowdle who will be running behind a third-string right guard in Brady Christensen?
Personally, I would think twice about giving Dowdle the go-ahead start, but it’s certainly a possibility that he turns in a solid effort.
Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan:
Through four games, McMillan looks like Bryce Young’s clear-cut No. 1 options.
He has 35 targets, which is tied for sixth among all players with four games. He’s the Panthers’ only pass-catcher with receiving yardage total in the triple digits. And he has already posted a 100-yard game.
That said, the Dolphins’ passing defense against No. 1 receivers has been respectable. Sure, the New York Jets’ Garrett Wilson and the Indianapolis Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr. have finished with moderate stat lines but, overall, Miami has allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy point totals to opposing receivers, according to ESPN.
Do with that information what you will.