Carolina rode a second-half surge to stun Miami 27-24 in Week 5, riding a ground-heavy attack and a sharp late rally. Bryce Young shook off early mistakes to finish 19 of 30 for 198 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which sealed it to Mitchell Evans. Rico Dowdle exploded for a career-best 206 rushing yards and a TD on 23 carries, while the 2025 draft class chipped in with McMillan leading with 73 receiving yards. Carolina’s defense bottled up De'Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II to 14 rushing yards on 13 carries, with Rozeboom and Moehrig piling up tackles. Miami’s Jaylen Waddle totaled 110 receiving yards and Minkah Fitzpatrick added an early pick on Young. The Panthers showed resilience and depth that could reshape their fantasy upside as they eye a favorable slate ahead.

Week 5 RB DFS targets center on strong volume and favorable run-attack matchups. Gibbs owns a clear green light against a Bengals run defense that’s struggled, while Javonte Williams is primed for production behind a stout Cowboys line facing a Jets unit that has caved defensively. Alvin Kamara draws a Giants run defense that’s been exposed, and Woody Marks offers value against a Baltimore run-stop that’s been porous. Trevor Etienne sits as a long-shot GPP play vs Miami, with Panthers expected to lean on the trenches. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ ground-to-pass balance add stacking appeal.

The underpinning analysis blends DVOA, offensive line vs. defensive line metrics, and run-blocking grades to validate these spots. The piece also stresses game script, backfield share, and receiving usage as key drivers for DFS cash games and prop bets, highlighting several salary-saver options alongside high-ceiling workhorses for week 5.