News Summary
The 2025 NFL season kicks off with a significant game between the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins, highlighting their long-standing rivalry. This matchup is not only a competitive affair, as both teams vie to start strong, but it also features an emotional halftime tribute to Jim Irsay, the late Colts owner. The game promises to be pivotal, with both teams looking to overcome their recent struggles and establish momentum for the season ahead.
Miami, FL – NFL Season Opens with a Historic Matchup and Emotional Tribute
The Indianapolis Colts will host the Miami Dolphins on September 7, 2025, marking the first game of the new NFL season. Scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, this game will feature a long-standing rivalry, with a rich history and significance beyond football.
Series History and Recent Matchups
This upcoming game will be the 76th regular season meeting between the Colts and Dolphins. The Dolphins currently hold the edge in the series with 46 wins compared to the Colts’ 29. Their most recent encounter occurred in Week 7 of the 2024 season, when the Colts narrowly defeated the Dolphins 16-10. Both teams enter the 2025 season with similar records from the previous year, finishing with 8-9 records and missing the playoffs, setting an early tone for competitiveness and improvement.
Season Context and Team Form
The Dolphins have a notable recent streak of success in season openers, winning their last four consecutive opening games. Conversely, the Colts have struggled in Week 1, not winning a season opener since 2014. These trends will add an extra layer of anticipation and unpredictability to the upcoming game.
Key Players and Expectations
The Dolphins will feature quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who will be beginning his sixth season in the league. On the other side, the Colts will start Daniel Jones at quarterback, marking his first season with Indianapolis after six seasons with the New York Giants. The game is expected to be closely contested, with betting odds favoring the Colts by 1 point and an over/under set at 46.5 points. Experts remain divided on the outcome, reflecting the teams’ similar recent performance levels and roster changes.
Television and Radio Coverage
The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS and will also be accessible via streaming platforms such as Paramount+ and NFL+. Fans in the Indianapolis area can tune in via local radio stations, including 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan and 97.1 HANK, for live commentary and updates throughout the game.
Tribute to Jim Irsay
A significant aspect of the game will be the emotional tribute to Jim Irsay, the late Owner and CEO of the Colts, who passed away on May 21, 2025. During halftime, a ceremony will honor his legacy, contributions to both the franchise and the Indianapolis community. Irsay led the team to several notable achievements, including 10 division titles, two AFC Championships, and the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl victory. He will be inducted as the 20th member of the Colts Ring of Honor, recognizing his enduring impact on the team and its supporters.
Challenges and Opportunities for Both Teams
As the season begins, both teams face critical assessments of their offseason changes. The Dolphins are focused on their rebuilt defensive unit and offensive consistency, while the Colts are navigating a quarterback transition with Daniel Jones leading the offense. This opening game offers both teams an early opportunity to set the tone for the season and address their respective challenges.
Looking Ahead
This matchup not only kicks off the 2025 NFL season but also serves as a moment of reflection and celebration for the Colts’ organization, with memories of Jim Irsay’s leadership in mind. Both teams will aim to start strong, making this week’s game a pivotal early-season test that could influence their trajectories through the remainder of the year.
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Dolphins vs. Colts Predictions
- Miami Dolphins Official Site: How to Watch
- Sports Illustrated: Bold Predictions for Dolphins vs. Colts
- CBS Sports: Dolphins vs. Colts Odds and Predictions
- IndyStar: Expert Predictions for NFL Week 1
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
