Miami opens 2025 in Indy with a high-stakes Week 1 test that doubles as a referendum on its draft-first pivot. Tagovailoa must reconnect with Hill and Waddle while the run game -- Achane and Gordon II -- steadies the offense and helps ease two-high shells. On defense, stopping Jonathan Taylor behind a Colts front led by Nelson and Raimann is critical, and Xavien Howard's reunion adds a twist to the coverage matchups.

The debut offers a near-terminal signal on whether the offseason rebuild can yield immediate gains and how Miami works through safety-heavy coverages to release Hill and Waddle for big fantasy days. The Colts counter with a physical OL and a hungry run game, testing the Dolphins in a matchup that could set the tone for October fantasy leagues.