Both the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins entered the season with high playoff aspirations. Sunday could end those hopes for one of those teams when they meet in South Beach.
An ugly 25-16 loss to Tennessee last week left the Colts 0-3 on the season for the first time since Curtis Painter was under center in the 2011 season.
Miami was unable to hold onto an early 14-0 lead before eventually falling to Las Vegas in overtime, 31-28, and dropping to 1-2 on the season.
Game Odds
Miami is a slight favorite in this one as Sportsbooks has the Dolphins at -2 (-110) and -130 on the Moneyline. Bettors wishing to back the Colts will have the same -110 odds to cover the spread and +110 straight up. Sportsbooks also has the Over/Under set at 42.5 points with -110 odds on either side of the number.
So You’re Saying There’s a Chance?
The Colts have never made the playoffs after losing their first three games of the season. Since the NFL went to a 16-game season in 1978, only six teams that started 0-3 made the playoffs. But there’s still hope for the Colts. After a 1-5 start to the 2018 season, Indianapolis won nine of its last 10 regular-season games to make the playoffs and picked up a win.
Don’t Count Him Out
Jacoby Brissett was a big reason the Dolphins even had a chance at winning late Sunday as he converted a trio of fourth downs. Brissett converted a 4th and 8 play on the final drive of regulation before also converting a 4th and Goal in the final seconds, which he also added a 2-point conversion toss to Will Fuller. In OT, after the Raiders kicked a field goal, Brissett converted on 4th and 20, which led to another game-tying field goal.
For the season, Brissett is 56 of 89 for 384 yards in just a game and a half.
Gutting it Out
Carson Wentz has been a walking injury since coming over to Indianapolis in the offseason. Yet, this season, the former Eagles‘ quarterback has not missed a game despite being questionable for all four games. Wentz has completed 64 of 106 passes for 692 yards and three touchdowns with just one interception.
Colts Leaders
After 64 yards on 10 totes in Sunday’s loss, Jonathan Taylor leads the Colts rushing game with 171 yards on the season.
Michael Pittman has emerged as the top receiver as the second-year pro has hauled in 17 receptions for 220 yards, while Zach Pascal has accounted for all three of Wentz’s touchdowns to go along with 112 yards on 11 receptions.
Nyheim Hines is second on the team with 64 rushing yards in addition to 119 receiving yards out of the Colts’ backfield.
‘Fins Leaders
Miles Gaskin leads the way on the ground with 139 yards on 27 totes, including 65 yards in Sunday’s loss.
Rookie Jaylen Waddle leads the receivers with 167 yards and a touchdown, while Devonte Parker is close behind with 165 yards.
Trends
The Colts have won six of the last 10 meetings but are 4-6 against the spread in those games.
The Over has hit in six of the last eight road games for the Colts.
Miami is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 overall games and is 6-1 ATS in the last seven home games.
Miami is 12-6 ATS in its last 18 games against the Colts, while the Under has hit in four of the five meetings.
Free Bet: Over 42.5 (-110)
If you want to know more about these NFL teams stats and previews like this Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins betting analysis keep up on Insiders Betting Digest.