The NFL’s opening Sunday brings together two franchises with rich history and plenty of fresh intrigue as the Indianapolis Colts host the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium (Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, CBS). The Dolphins hold a commanding 48-29 lead in the all-time series, but the Colts have won two straight, four of five and eight of the last 10.
Their last meeting came on Oct. 20, 2024, when the Colts beat Miami 16-10 in Indianapolis. This Week 1 clash will be only the third meeting between the former AFC East rivals since 2020.
Few storylines loom larger than Tyreek Hill’s availability. The All-Pro wideout injured his oblique muscle in camp and missed most of August. While he returned to limited practice last week, questions remain about how explosive he’ll be on Sunday.
Hill’s absence in last year’s season finale raised eyebrows, with QB Tua Tagovailoa publicly stating he needed to “rebuild trust” with his star receiver this offseason. When healthy, Hill and Jaylen Waddle form one of the league’s most dynamic duos, but if Hill isn’t 100%, Miami’s offense could sputter.
The Colts made one of the more surprising offseason moves by bringing in Daniel Jones and handing him the starting job over Anthony Richardson.
Jones becomes Indy’s eighth different opening-day starter in nine years, underscoring the team’s instability at the position since Andrew Luck’s retirement. For Jones, the challenge is straightforward but significant: limit turnovers, improve completion efficiency, and, most importantly, win.
Indy’s pass defense was its Achilles’ heel last year, prompting GM Chris Ballard to overhaul the unit. Free-agent additions Charvarius Ward and Cam Bynum, along with the late signing of former Dolphins Pro Bowl CB Xavien Howard, give the Colts a new-look secondary.
But Howard hasn’t played since 2023, and this revamped group gets tested right away against Hill and Waddle — provided Miami’s top weapon is ready to go.
The late Don Shula coached both franchises, winning a record 274 games with Miami after notching 98 wins with the Baltimore Colts. He still ranks third on the Colts’ all-time wins list behind Tony Dungy and Weeb Ewbank. Only three of the 77 meetings have gone to overtime. Peyton Manning’s first career game came in a season opener against Miami in 1998 — a 24-15 loss to Dan Marino’s Dolphins.
The Colts want to prove Daniel Jones can be a stabilizing force. The Dolphins want to show their passing attack remains elite, even as Tyreek Hill manages his health.
Both franchises enter 2025 with playoff aspirations — and one of them will start the season with a signature win.
Injury Report: Dolphins: WR Tyreek Hill (oblique/calf), RB De’Von Achane (calf), and RT Austin Jackson (toe) were limited in practice Wednesday but are expected to play. Pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips return from ACL injuries. TE Darren Waller (hip) sat out practice, with coach Mike McDaniel calling it precautionary. Colts: Only backup RB Tyler Goodson (elbow) appeared on the injury report as limited.
