Two teams that have low expectations for the 2025 NFL season will kick off on Sunday, September 7, at Lucas Oil Stadium with an AFC showdown between the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts.
My early Dolphins vs. Colts predictions and NFL picks believe the Colts will win and cover a high-scoring game with very little defense.
Dolphins vs Colts predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
Early Dolphins vs Colts spread pick: Colts -1.5 (-104)
The Indianapolis Colts have decided to go with Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback after bringing him in this offseason over former top pick Anthony Richardson. I believe this is the correct decision if they want to utilize their weapons, they have at the skill positions, and make the best of a bad offensive line.
Richardson struggles to get rid of the ball quickly and make the right read, so the experienced Jones should help the offense overcome issues on both defense and the offensive line. He clearly had a solid rapport with rookie tight end Tyler Warren in the preseason, and you could see some quick completions against a porous Miami pass defense.
The Miami Dolphins have major issues in the secondary and traded away Jalen Ramsey in the offseason. They also have several injuries to guys that were expected to start, and will be playing several players with little to no experience.
The Colts' defense is not good either, but being at home will help them. They went 5-3 at home last year, including beating the Dolphins 16-10. I like the Colts to start off the season with a win at home.
Early Dolphins vs Colts total pick: Over 46.5 (-120)
The Colts' run defense looks like it could be very bad based on what we saw in the preseason. The starters were in the preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens' second string, and yet they allowed Keaton Mitchell to average 7.6 yards per carry.
De’Von Achane and Ollie Gordon will likely give the Colts fits on Sunday, and Achane is capable of scoring in a flash with any opening.
The special teams tackling was also a major issue for the Colts. They allowed an 87-yard punt return and a 69-yard kick return early in that game to the Ravens. The Dolphins could be one of the most dangerous teams they could face in special teams returns.
Malik Washington had some big returns last year, and that was with the old rules, where there were way fewer opportunities to get a return. The new kickoff rules are going to create much shorter fields, and I expect scoring to rise this year in the NFL as a result.
Ultimately, I do not think either team is going to be good this year, and both defenses could be terrible. But there is a lot of speed and athleticism on offense for both teams, and this could turn into a bit of a shootout.
Dolphins vs Colts odds
- Dolphins vs. Colts spread: Colts -1.5
- Dolphins vs. Colts moneyline: Dolphins +100, Colts -120
- Dolphins vs. Colts Over/Under: 47
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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