Miami’s 27-24 loss to Carolina laid bare a fragile run defense and a stagnant offense, inflaming the franchise’s rebuild narrative. Jordyn Brooks and Zach Sieler spoke with authenticity as the defense was carved for 234 rushing yards on 30 attempts through three quarters, while the offense flashed a brief spark from Tua Tagovailoa to Jaylen Waddle.

The questions surrounding GM Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel intensified as a pattern of missteps and soft play emerged. With a looming evaluation of identity and accountability, fantasy managers should watch for roster churn, internal rotations, and how quick the Dolphins pivot to more fundamental toughness in the weeks ahead.

Tyreek Hill’s season-ending injury forces the Dolphins to reinvent their plan against Carolina. Expect Tua Tagovailoa to lean on Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane and Darren Waller, while the run game takes on a larger, more patient role. Miami’s special teams and third-down efficiency could swing the result in a close game as Miami reshapes its weapon set without Hill.

The defense faces a test from Carolina’s ground attack, and the offensive line reshuffle at right guard adds uncertainty in the run game. Fantasy managers should chase the new movers in Miami’s offense and monitor how the Dolphins leverage Waller and the backfield in a run-heavy script that could define the weeks ahead.

Miami edged the Jets 27-21 in Week 4 as the defense punished the rival with two forced fumbles and a kickoff fumble recovery, while Tua Tagovailoa stayed clean and un-sacked. Darren Waller anchored the offense in his Dolphins debut with two TDs, and Tyreek Hill sparked the top-playability with elite flashes. Pro Football Focus highlighted a strong day for Hill, Waller, Julian Hill, and Waddle on offense, with others providing depth; on defense, Douglas, Jones, Brooks, Fitzpatrick, and Judon stood out.

Miami snapped a rough start with a 27-21 win over the Jets, and the offense finally clicked behind a turnover-free night from Tua, a balanced run game, and Darren Waller’s red-zone efficiency in his first Dolphins outing since 2024.

De’Von Achane logged 99 rushing yards and a key TD while the defense tightened and Jordyn Brooks anchored with 18 tackles. Hill's dislocated knee casts a shadow ahead, leaving Waddle, Malik Washington, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Waller to carry more of the load for fantasy rosters.

Miami’s defense has yet to create turnovers, sits last in passer rating allowed and near the bottom in the run game, all pointing at a front seven that hasn’t lived up to last season’s disruptive reputation. With a young, makeshift secondary and higher pressure to produce, the Dolphins need their front seven to set the tone against a Jets squad capable of scoring in bunches. If Monday night at Hard Rock ends in defeat, the calls for change could intensify, putting McDaniel under renewed scrutiny.