These two franchises were once divisional rivals, but now will meet for only the eighth time since the 2002 (when the divisions were realigned) season. Led by franchise quarterback Andrew Luck the Colts have surprised many, and with a win this week could be knocking on the door of the division lead.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The Colts are 5-2 straight up against the Dolphins since the 2002 season. In this head-to-head series, the road team is 6-1 in the last seven games, and surprisingly the underdog is 6-1 against the spread over that time as well. The Dolphins have been disappointing on the road this season with a 1-4, and enter this game on a four game road losing streak. However, they are 5-1 ATS in their last six games when visiting the Colts. Meanwhile, the Colts are 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games overall, and are on a season high four game winning streak. Their last lost was October 14 at the New York Jets.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are coming off a bye week, and received the best possible news: Head Coach Adam Gase announced Tuesday that quarterback Ryan Tannehill will start against the Colts this weekend. Tannehill has missed the last five games with a shoulder injury, but has taken first time reps all week. Under Tannehill the Dolphins were 3-2 in five games, without him in the line-up they were 2-3. The Dolphins are on a three-game winning streak in post-bye games and hope to continue that mark this weekend in Indiana.

Of note, more good news on the injury front as offensive tackles Laremy Tunsil and Ja’Wuan James both were dressed and practiced this week. Both missed the team’s previous game versus Green Bay.

Indianapolis Colts

As Andrew Luck goes, so do the Indianapolis Colts. Luck continues to impress this season, having yet another great performance this weekend in a 38-10 win over the Titans. Luck was 23-of-29 for 297 yards and three touchdowns with a passing rating of 143.8. Those numbers were good enough to make Luck the AFC Offensive Player of the week. The Colts are 5-5 under his direction this season, over-achieving by many standards and still in a fight for the AFC South title currently held by the Houston Texans.

In the past, the offensive line has come under fire, but this year it is much improved. Luck was not sacked for a fifth straight game (vs. Titans) breaking a tie for the fifth-longest streak in the league since sacks became an official stat in 1982. They did receive some bad news as center Ryan Kelly left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. His status for this game against the Dolphins is unknown. Receiver T.Y. Hilton is coming off his best game of the season, hauling in nine catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns. That’s only his second game of the year where he’s surpassed the 100+ yard mark in receiving.

Dolphins vs. Colts Prediction