The Miami Dolphins could be a week away from the return their starting quarterback. Their opponents this week, the Indianapolis Colts, look like they’ll be getting theirs back Sunday.
The Dolphins (2-3) will be without Tua Tagovailoa for at least one more week. Tyler Huntley led them to a win before their bye week, but the offense has only scored two touchdowns since he took over. De’Von Achane has been practicing in full this week after leaving with a concussion vs. the Patriots, so coach Mike McDaniel at least should have all of his speedy playmakers available.
Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida, is expected to play after missing the past two games with an oblique injury. Even if he can’t go, backup QB Joe Flacco has proven more than capable, throwing for 716 yards and seven touchdowns with just one interception over the past three weeks. The bigger injury question is whether the Colts (3-3) will get back star running back Jonathan Taylor, who has also missed the past two games with a sprained ankle.
Will it be enough for the Dolphins to tread water in the playoff race? NFL reporters and analysts weigh in with their picks:
USA TODAY: Colts win
Three of the four members of USA TODAY’s predictions panel picked Indianapolis. Tyler Dragon has a 21-20 final score: “Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is still on injured reserve. Colts QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) is on track to return. I expect Richardson’s return to spark Indy’s rushing attack. But Richardson must take care of the football. He has six interceptions in four games. The Colts have the third-worst defense in the NFL, but can Miami’s offense find a rhythm without Tagovailoa? The recent tape says no.”
Only Jordan Mendoza backed Miami with a 16-13 prediction: “Miami has looked lost in recent weeks, but this would be a good game for its explosive stars like Tyreek Hill to break out and get a much-needed win to keep the season alive.”
Sporting News: Colts win by a field goal
Vinnie Iyer picked Indianapolis 23-20: “The Dolphins will be without Tua Tagovailoa (head), so they’ll need to lean a lot on the rushing attack and defense to stay alive in the AFC wild-card race. The Colts, however, can pose problems with a powerful offensive line and running game, even without Anthony Richardson (oblique) and/or Jonathan Taylor (ankle).”
Bill Bender has a 24-21 final score: “Miami announced Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is expected to return at some point this season, but that will not help the Dolphins this week. Miami had a bye week to figure out the offense with Tyler Huntley. Every Colts game has been decided by six points or less. Joe Flacco has seven TDs and one interception since taking over at quarterback, but Anthony Richardson (oblique) is close to returning. Will Jonathan Taylor (ankle) be back, too? The Dolphins play with desperation, but it isn’t quite enough.”
Watch Dolphins vs Colts live on Fubo (free trial)
CBS Sports: Colts win
Pete Prisco picked Indianapolis 21-17: “The Dolphins are off their bye, which they badly needed, while the Colts are coming off a road victory over the Titans. Anthony Richardson will be back for the Colts at quarterback, while Tyler Huntley will start for the Dolphins. Both of these teams have had defensive issues stopping the run, so look for the Colts with the better run game to find a way.”
Tyler Sullivan predicted a 26-17 Colts win.
Bleacher Report: Dolphins win 23-20
Seven of Bleacher Report’s eight-member panel picked Miami. Brent Sobleski writes: “The matchups … favor Miami, especially with Mike McDaniel’s squad having two weeks to prepare for this contest. Raheem Mostert and rookie Jaylen Wright should find lanes against the league’s 31st-ranked run defense, while McDaniel can manufacture touches for wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle against arguably the league’s least talented secondary.”
Our Dolphins vs Colts prediction: Palm Beach Post experts’ Week 7 picks
Pro Football Talk: Colts win
Mike Florio predicted a 24-16 final, while Chris Simms picked a 24-20 final. “The Colts are good enough to beat a Dolphins team that isn’t good enough without Tua,” Florio wrote.
Dolphins vs Colts game odds, spread and lines
Indianapolis is favored to defeat Miami, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering betting promos in 2024.
All odds as of Thursday, October 17.
- Spread: Colts (-3)
- Over/under: 43½
- Moneyline: Dolphins +140, Colts -165
Where to watch Dolphins vs Colts: Time, TV channel, streaming
- When: 1 p.m. Sunday, October 20
- Where: Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- TV: Fox
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
Dolphins vs. Colts will broadcast nationally on Fox in Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season. Kevin Kugler and Daryl Johnston will call the game from the booth at Lucas Oil Stadium, with Laura Okmin reporting from the sidelines. Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which offers a free trial to new subscribers.
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