The skinny: The Dolphins have routinely been one of the league’s best home teams in September, as opponents have almost annually wilted in the South Florida humidity early in the season. That’s muted somewhat by the prime-time kickoff, but it’s still a concern for the Colts.
The Colts have won their road opener the past four years, the longest current streak in the league. It’s clear Indianapolis can get the ball to WR Reggie Wayne to move the ball between the 20s. But to get in the end zone more, one of the team’s other receivers is going to have to be a factor, and Anthony Gonzalez’s injury hurts that cause.
The Dolphins, making their first appearance in a Monday night game since 2006, have not yet shown much pop on offense.
The difference will be: Whether the Dolphins can rattle Peyton Manning, or at least get him off schedule. While the Colts had some difficulties against the Jaguars’ defense last week in the scoring zone — they drove inside the Jacksonville 20-yard line just twice in the game — this is a team that usually adjusts better than most week to week and fixes its mistakes.
Miami’s Jason Taylor will need a remember-when night in the pass rush.
The call: Colts 24-17.
