Panthers (0-5) at Dolphins (4-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Dolphins by 13.5
Panthers’ keys to victory: The Panthers, the NFL’s lone winless team, need to start with the basics. Head coach Frank Reich’s offense needs to protect rookie QB Bryce Young and provide space for RB Miles Sanders to find holes and hit them hard. Young hasn’t looked great to start the season, throwing for just 750 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions. He can’t be expected to do too much at this point. If Carolina can run to set up the pass, things will be easier for the rookie.
Dolphins’ keys to victory: Miami has the best record in the AFC, with their lone loss coming to the Buffalo Bills in Week 4. Their two problems have been turnovers on offense and limiting big plays on defense. QB Tua Tagovailoa threw two interceptions last week against the Giants that could’ve been costly against a better team. And while the defense looked much better than the previous week, it still needs to focus on tackling and stopping opposing players before they get behind the secondary.
Matchup to watch: Dolphins RB De’Von Achane vs. Panthers’ front seven. Miami’s third-round pick has been one of the most electric players, as he’s found the end zone seven times in just four games. No defense has been able to slow down Achane, and until someone does, the Dolphins will likely let him run wild.
Who wins? The Panthers will probably earn a victory at some point in their 2023 campaign, but that’s not coming in Week 6. Miami’s roster presents too many challenges.