Dolphins vs Colts – Week 1 Fantasy Football Preview
Miami’s speed-led offense faces a Colts team leaning on Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones in a tightly lined opener.
Line: Colts -1.5 | Total: 46.5
This one is lined tightly with Miami a slight favorite, and both teams bring plenty of fantasy intrigue. The Dolphins enter with questions about health but the expectation of a Tyreek Hill bounce back, while Jaylen Waddle has reportedly looked like the WR1 in camp. For Indy, Jonathan Taylor anchors the backfield, but all eyes will be on Daniel Jones under center and how the young weapons develop around him.
Vegas sees this as one of the more competitive Week 1 games, with Miami the slight favorites. The Dolphins bring big-play firepower but face a tougher defensive draw against Indy, while the Colts’ offense gets a difficult first test against a Miami defensive unit that was stingy at times last year.
Quarterbacks
Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins – Indianapolis has been a neutral QB defensive matchup, making this less than ideal. Tua still belongs in lineups as a low end QB2, but ceiling is capped.
Daniel Jones, Colts – Miami ranked 2nd-toughest against opposing QBs last year. That’s a tough debut for Jones as the named starter. Best deployed as a QB2 only in deeper leagues.
Wide Receivers
Tyreek Hill, Dolphins – Draws a neutral matchup against the Colts’ defense. Hill has been vocal about a bounce-back in 2025, and this sets up as a prime spot. Locked as an elite WR1.
Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins – Reports say he’s looked like the WR1 in camp, which makes him an upside WR2 with potential WR1 output.
Michael Pittman, Colts – Miami’s defense was top-5 toughest against wideouts last year. Pittman’s volume should keep him viable, but expectations slide to low end WR2/WR3 range.
Josh Downs, Colts – If he suits up, faces that same WR grind. Better left as a bench stash/flex while his status is iffy.
Adonai Mitchell, Colts – Profiles as a deep flex at best, has upside if Jones takes some chances downfield. Could see additional opportunities if Downs is out.
Alec Pierce, Colts – Vertical threat against a difficult secondary. Not more than a deep-league dart throw.
Running Backs
De’Von Achane, Dolphins – Faces the 11th-easiest RB matchup from last year. Neutral to slightly favorable, but coming off a preseason calf injury tempers expectations. He’s a high upside RB1 with some light risk until we know his injury is behind him.
Ollie Gordon, Dolphins - The rookie runner has taken over backup duties with Jaylen Wright banged up. Gordon has the potential to assume some short-yardage and goal-line opportunities. Leave on the bench until we get clarity on his situation.
Jonathan Taylor, Colts – Love the matchup here. Taylor’s volume still makes him a locked-in RB1, but it remains to be seen what this offense looks like with Jones under center.
Tight Ends
Darren Waller, Dolphins – Colts sit as the 4th-easiest TE matchup. That helps, but Waller is still working back to full health and potential rust from retirement. Profiles as a back-end TE2 dart throw in Week 1 if he is able to see the field.
Tyler Warren, Colts – Rookie draws an 11th-easiest TE matchup against Miami. With questions around the WR corps, Warren could quickly carve a role. They have found creative ways to use him all preseason. He’s a mid to backend TE1 with upside if targets flow.