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NFL · Week 5 · October 5, 2025 · 12 min read

Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers: 2025 Week 5 Recap

Panthers defeat Dolphins 27–24 in Week 5

Tua Tagovailoa led Fantasy Impact as Panthers prevailed in a 24–27 Week 5 finish.

Miami Dolphins 24 1–4
Final 24–27
Carolina Panthers 27 2–3 Winner
Winner
Carolina Panthers
Final score
24–27
Halftime
Miami Dolphins 17–10 Carolina Panthers
Top passer
Tua Tagovailoa
FantasyHQ MVP
Tua Tagovailoa
Game date
October 5, 2025

Top fantasy performers · Dolphins

  • Tua Tagovailoa
    Tua Tagovailoa 27/42 · 234 YDS · 3 TD +10.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Jaylen Waddle
    Jaylen Waddle 6 REC · 110 YDS · 1 TD +10.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Darren Waller
    Darren Waller 5 REC · 78 YDS · 1 TD +10.4 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Panthers

  • Rico Dowdle
    Rico Dowdle 23 CAR · 206 YDS · 1 TD +9.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Tetairoa McMillan
    Tetairoa McMillan 6 REC · 73 YDS +6.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Ji.Horn 2 REC · 21 YDS +3.2 Fantasy Impact
View Dolphins vs Panthers box score View all 2025 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Carolina Panthers
Final score
Carolina Panthers 27–24 Miami Dolphins
Halftime
Miami Dolphins 17–10 Carolina Panthers at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Tua Tagovailoa
Top passer
Tua Tagovailoa
Biggest EPA play
(6:37) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young sacked at MIA 36 for -6 yards (2-B.Chubb). FUMBLES (2-B.Chubb) …
Game date
2025-10-05

Game summary

The Carolina Panthers beat the Miami Dolphins 27–24 on 2025-10-05, overcoming Miami Dolphins's 17–10 halftime lead. Tua Tagovailoa posted a game-high +10.53 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Miami Dolphins31407024
Carolina Panthers010314027

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

MIAMiami Dolphins
CARCarolina Panthers

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q1 9:08FG
    Riley Patterson

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CAR 25
    Score
    3-0

    (9:08) 47-R.Patterson 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  2. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 15:00TD
    De'Von Achane

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 10
    Score
    9-0

    (15:00) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 28-D.Achane for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 14:55XP
    Riley Patterson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 15
    Score
    10-0

    47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  4. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 10:53TD
    Darren Waller

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 4
    Score
    16-0

    (10:53) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short middle to 83-D.Waller for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q2 10:48XP
    Riley Patterson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 15
    Score
    17-0

    47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  6. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 3:28TD
    Xavier Legette

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 7
    Score
    17-6

    (3:28) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short right to 17-X.Legette for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  7. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 3:24XP
    Ryan Fitzgerald

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    17-7

    10-R.Fitzgerald extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.

  8. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q2 0:04FG
    Ryan Fitzgerald

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIA 17
    Score
    17-10

    (:04) 10-R.Fitzgerald 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.

  9. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q3 12:19FG
    Ryan Fitzgerald

    Points+3

    Yard line
    MIA 31
    Score
    17-13

    (12:19) 10-R.Fitzgerald 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.

  10. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 6:14TD
    Rico Dowdle

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 1
    Score
    17-19

    (6:14) 77-Y.Nijman reported in as eligible. 5-R.Dowdle left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.

  11. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 6:10XP
    Ryan Fitzgerald

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    17-20

    10-R.Fitzgerald extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.

  12. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q4 4:50TD
    Jaylen Waddle

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CAR 46
    Score
    23-20

    (4:50) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 17-J.Waddle for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. MIAMiami Dolphins
    Q4 4:42XP
    Riley Patterson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CAR 15
    Score
    24-20

    47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.

  14. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 2:03TD
    Mitchell Evans

    Points+6

    Yard line
    MIA 4
    Score
    24-26

    (2:03) 9-B.Young pass short right to 84-M.Evans for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  15. CARCarolina Panthers
    Q4 1:59XP
    Ryan Fitzgerald

    Points+1

    Yard line
    MIA 15
    Score
    24-27

    10-R.Fitzgerald extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Tua TagovailoaTua Tagovailoa · Miami Dolphins · Passing · +10.53 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play
  2. 2Jaylen WaddleJaylen Waddle · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +10.43 total EPA · 9 snaps · +1.16 EPA/play
  3. 3Darren WallerDarren Waller · Miami Dolphins · Receiving · +10.36 total EPA · 5 snaps · +2.07 EPA/play
  4. 4Rico DowdleRico Dowdle · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +9.43 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.41 EPA/play
  5. 5Tetairoa McMillanTetairoa McMillan · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +6.49 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.81 EPA/play
  6. 6Ji. Horn · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.17 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.06 EPA/play
  7. 7Mitchell EvansMitchell Evans · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.17 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.17 EPA/play
  8. 8Rico DowdleRico Dowdle · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.98 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Tua Tagovailoa

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Tua Tagovailoa — MIA · Passing

Tua Tagovailoa posted the highest total EPA (+10.53) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Miami Dolphins. Across 42 counted snaps, they averaged +0.25 EPA per play.

Tua Tagovailoa's top snap (+4.09 EPA): (4:50) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 17-J.Waddle for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-5.69 EPA): Byron Young — (6:37) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young sacked at MIA 36 for -6 yards (2-B.Chubb). FUMBLES (2-B.Chubb) [2-B.Chubb], RECOVERED by MIA-2-B.Chubb at MIA 40. 2-B.Chubb to MIA 42 for 2 yards (82-T.Tremble).

Quarterback report card

Tua Tagovailoa led all passers in efficiency for Miami Dolphins, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Tua TagovailoaTua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) · 42 dropbacks · 64.3% completion · +14.8% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +10.53 total EPA
  • Byron YoungByron Young (Carolina Panthers) · 38 dropbacks · 50.0% completion · +8.7% CPOE · +0.00 EPA/play · +0.09 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatMiami DolphinsCarolina Panthers
Offensive EPA/play+0.121+0.115
Offensive success rate44.4%46.1%
Pass EPA/play+0.251+0.002
Rush EPA/play-0.441+0.363
Defensive EPA/play-0.115-0.121
Defensive success rate53.9%55.6%

Drive & efficiency notes

Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Miami Dolphins +0.12, Carolina Panthers +0.12) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Miami Dolphins: +0.12 EPA/play (73rd percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
  • Carolina Panthers: +0.12 EPA/play (71st percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
  • Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, +10.24 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
  • Miami Dolphins: 10 drives, +8.73 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • De'Von AchaneMiami Dolphins — De'Von Achane (Tua Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 15:00)
  • Darren WallerMiami Dolphins — Darren Waller (Tua Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 10:53)
  • Xavier LegetteCarolina Panthers — Xavier Legette (Byron Young pass) (Q2 3:28)
  • Rico DowdleCarolina Panthers — Rico Dowdle (Q4 6:14)
  • Jaylen WaddleMiami Dolphins — Jaylen Waddle (Tua Tagovailoa pass) (Q4 4:50)
  • Mitchell EvansCarolina Panthers — Mitchell Evans (Byron Young pass) (Q4 2:03)

Field goals

  • Riley PattersonMiami Dolphins — Riley Patterson (Q1 9:08)
  • Ryan FitzgeraldCarolina Panthers — Ryan Fitzgerald (Q2 0:04)
  • Ryan FitzgeraldCarolina Panthers — Ryan Fitzgerald (Q3 12:19)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 3–0. Miami Dolphins connected on a field goal from the CAR 25 (Q1 9:08) — (9:08) 47-R.Patterson 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey..

The second quarter: Miami Dolphins won the period 14–10. Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the CAR 10 (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 28-D.Achane for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 14:55) — 47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the CAR 4 (Q2 10:53) — (10:53) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short middle to 83-D.Waller for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 10:48) — 47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the MIA 7 (Q2 3:28) — (3:28) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short right to 17-X.Legette for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q2 3:24) — 10-R.Fitzgerald extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the MIA 17 (Q2 0:04) — (:04) 10-R.Fitzgerald 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin..

The third quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 3–0. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the MIA 31 (Q3 12:19) — (12:19) 10-R.Fitzgerald 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin..

The fourth quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 14–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the MIA 1 (Q4 6:14); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 6:10) — 10-R.Fitzgerald extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.; Miami Dolphins found the end zone from the CAR 46 (Q4 4:50) — (4:50) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 17-J.Waddle for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Miami Dolphins added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q4 4:42) — 47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the MIA 4 (Q4 2:03) — (2:03) 9-B.Young pass short right to 84-M.Evans for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the MIA 15 (Q4 1:59) — 10-R.Fitzgerald extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 3:31) — (3:31) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short right to 15-Ji.Horn to MIA 16 for 17 yards (26-R.Douglas). [WPA +27.3% · EPA +3.26]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 4:50) — (4:50) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 17-J.Waddle for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +26.9% · EPA +4.09]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q1 6:37) — (6:37) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young sacked at MIA 36 for -6 yards (2-B.Chubb). FUMBLES (2-B.Chubb) [2-B.Chubb], RECOVERED by MIA-2-B.Chubb at MIA 40. 2-B.Chubb to MIA 42 for 2 yards (82-T.Tremble). [WPA -18.1% · EPA -5.69]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q4 9:09) — (9:09) 5-R.Dowdle right guard to MIA 32 for 43 yards (29-M.Fitzpatrick). [WPA +13.3% · EPA +3.08]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q1 11:58) — (11:58) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep middle to 83-D.Waller to CAR 14 for 34 yards (21-N.Scott). [WPA +12.6% · EPA +3.59]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Carolina Panthers (Q1 6:37) — (6:37) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young sacked at MIA 36 for -6 yards (2-B.Chubb). FUMBLES (2-B.Chubb) [2-B.Chubb], RECOVERED by MIA-2-B.Chubb at MIA 40. 2-B.Chubb to MIA 42 for 2 yards (82-T.Tremble). [WPA -18.1% · EPA -5.69]
  • Miami Dolphins (Q4 4:50) — (4:50) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 17-J.Waddle for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +26.9% · EPA +4.09]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q2 6:57) — (6:57) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass deep right to 4-T.McMillan ran ob at MIA 27 for 21 yards [15-Ja.Phillips]. [WPA +7.0% · EPA +3.97]
  • Carolina Panthers (Q2 14:13) — (14:13) 9-B.Young pass deep middle intended for 17-X.Legette INTERCEPTED by 29-M.Fitzpatrick at MIA 44. 29-M.Fitzpatrick to CAR 49 for 7 yards (5-R.Dowdle). [WPA -3.9% · EPA -3.84]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Miami Dolphins FG (+3) — Q1 9:08 · CAR 25 · Score 3-0
    (9:08) 47-R.Patterson 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  2. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 15:00 · CAR 10 · Score 9-0
    (15:00) (Shotgun) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short right to 28-D.Achane for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 14:55 · CAR 15 · Score 10-0
    47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  4. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q2 10:53 · CAR 4 · Score 16-0
    (10:53) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass short middle to 83-D.Waller for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q2 10:48 · CAR 15 · Score 17-0
    47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  6. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 3:28 · MIA 7 · Score 17-6
    (3:28) (Shotgun) 9-B.Young pass short right to 17-X.Legette for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 3:24 · MIA 15 · Score 17-7
    10-R.Fitzgerald extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.
  8. Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q2 0:04 · MIA 17 · Score 17-10
    (:04) 10-R.Fitzgerald 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.
  9. Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q3 12:19 · MIA 31 · Score 17-13
    (12:19) 10-R.Fitzgerald 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.
  10. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 6:14 · MIA 1 · Score 17-19
    (6:14) 77-Y.Nijman reported in as eligible. 5-R.Dowdle left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. The Replay Official reviewed the runner broke the plane ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the fiel
  11. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 6:10 · MIA 15 · Score 17-20
    10-R.Fitzgerald extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.
  12. Miami Dolphins TD (+6) — Q4 4:50 · CAR 46 · Score 23-20
    (4:50) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 17-J.Waddle for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Miami Dolphins XP (+1) — Q4 4:42 · CAR 15 · Score 24-20
    47-R.Patterson extra point is GOOD, Center-49-J.Cardona, Holder-16-J.Bailey.
  14. Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 2:03 · MIA 4 · Score 24-26
    (2:03) 9-B.Young pass short right to 84-M.Evans for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  15. Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 1:59 · MIA 15 · Score 24-27
    10-R.Fitzgerald extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-6-S.Martin.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Carolina Panthers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Miami Dolphins vs Carolina Panthers on 2025-10-05?

The Carolina Panthers beat the Miami Dolphins 27-24 in Week 5, 2025.

What was the score by quarter in Miami Dolphins vs Carolina Panthers?

Q1: Miami Dolphins 3, Carolina Panthers 0; Q2: Miami Dolphins 14, Carolina Panthers 10; Q3: Miami Dolphins 0, Carolina Panthers 3; Q4: Miami Dolphins 7, Carolina Panthers 14; Final: Miami Dolphins 24, Carolina Panthers 27.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Miami Dolphins vs Carolina Panthers?

Miami Dolphins touchdown — D. Achane (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 15:00) Miami Dolphins touchdown — D. Waller (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q2 10:53) Carolina Panthers touchdown — X. Legette (B. Young pass) (Q2 3:28) Carolina Panthers touchdown — R. Dowdle (Q4 6:14) Miami Dolphins touchdown — J. Waddle (T. Tagovailoa pass) (Q4 4:50) Carolina Panthers touchdown — M. Evans (B. Young pass) (Q4 2:03) Miami Dolphins field goal — R. Patterson (Q1 9:08, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — R. Fitzgerald (Q2 0:04, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — R. Fitzgerald (Q3 12:19, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Miami Dolphins vs Carolina Panthers?

Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), 64.3% completion, +14.8% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +10.53 total passing EPA. Byron Young (Carolina Panthers), 50.0% completion, +8.7% CPOE, +0.00 EPA per dropback, +0.09 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Miami Dolphins vs Carolina Panthers?

Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +10.53 total EPA on Passing plays. across 42 snaps. Their top snap (+4.09 EPA): (4:50) 1-T.Tagovailoa pass deep left to 17-J.Waddle for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Was Miami Dolphins vs Carolina Panthers a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Carolina Panthers won 27-24 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Miami Dolphins

Entered 1-3 Now 1-4 L

Carolina Panthers

Entered 1-3 Now 2-3 W

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