Cue Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone”—that’s probably what the Miami Dolphins were humming about themselves. Last week, the Buffalo Bills widened their AFC East lead by defeating the New York Jets, while the New England Patriots fell to the Houston Texans.
The Dolphins can even up their record with a win against the Indianapolis Colts this week. It might also be the final game without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is eligible to return from injured reserve next week. But before that happens, they’ll have to deal with an unpredictable 3-3 Colts team.
**All-Time Series Record**
Once upon a time, these two teams faced off twice a season, back when both were part of the AFC East. The Dolphins have a 20-game lead in their overall series (48-28), which includes playoff victories like the 1971 AFC Championship Game (21-0) and a 23-17 overtime win in the 2000 AFC Wild Card Playoffs, which remains Miami’s last postseason victory. Since the NFL realignment in 2002, the Colts have won seven of the 10 matchups.
**Quarterbacks: Tale of the Tape**
Tyler Huntley is set for his third consecutive start for the Dolphins. He’s completed 60.4% of his passes for 290 yards, hasn’t thrown a touchdown yet, and is responsible for two of the team’s six turnovers. On the other side, Anthony Richardson returns as the Colts’ starter after missing two games due to a hip/oblique injury. Colts head coach Shane Steichen praised Richardson’s sharp passing and mobility in practice. Richardson, who’s also the Colts’ second-leading rusher, could challenge Miami’s defense with his dual-threat capabilities.
**Defensive Analysis**
Miami’s defense has drawn mixed reviews. They rank fifth in total yards allowed per game and are among the league leaders in limiting passing yards. However, they’ve given up just 27 points combined in their two wins but a staggering 86 points in their three losses. The pass rush, with only nine sacks, is overdue for a breakout performance.
For the Colts, Gus Bradley’s defense ranks near the bottom of the league, allowing the third-most yards per game (389.5) and the second-most rushing yards (155.2). Despite recording 12 sacks and nine takeaways, the Colts have surrendered 139 points and 15 offensive touchdowns in six games.
**Keys to the Game**
– *Dolphins*: McDaniel’s offense should take advantage of the Colts’ defense, which has allowed 15 offensive touchdowns. Containing Richardson’s scrambling ability is critical, as keeping him in the pocket could work in Miami’s favor, considering his modest 50.6% completion rate and six interceptions to just three touchdowns.
– *Colts*: With leading rusher Jonathan Taylor potentially missing his third straight game, the Colts will need to lean on their running game to exploit a Miami defense that ranks 18th in rushing yards allowed. Avoiding mistakes against a vulnerable Dolphins team is crucial for Indianapolis.
**Dolphins Player to Watch**
Veteran running back Raheem Mostert could be key for Miami’s offense. He returned to action two weeks ago against the Patriots, helping the Dolphins rush for a season-high 193 yards.
**Colts Player to Watch**
Linebacker EJ Speed has been a standout for the Colts this season, leading the league in solo tackles (44) and tying an NFL record with eight consecutive games of 10 or more tackles.
