The final minutes of last week’s game gave Lucas Oil Stadium a glimpse of what Indianapolis still can be. The Colts climbed ahead of Dallas late, only to see the Cowboys answer in the final minutes. Now Indianapolis returns home Sunday at 1:00 p.m. with another chance to turn a hard-fought loss into a fresh start against Miami.

This is a meeting of two teams looking for a foothold in Week 10. The Colts are 2-7, while the Dolphins are 1-7. Neither team has piled up wins, but both have shown flashes that can change a game. Indianapolis scored 20.4 points per game, more than Miami’s 15.8, and its strongest path begins with Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor runs like a train that can also sprint. He has rushed for 656 yards and eight touchdowns, giving the Colts a runner who can push through a crowded line or burst into open grass. He also catches passes, which makes defenders work even harder to find him. Miami has allowed 25 points per game, so stopping Taylor will be its biggest job from the first snap.

The Colts will need to protect the football as well as they run it. They have lost the ball too often this season, including four fumbles by Taylor. That problem hurt them in the close loss to Dallas. A strong ground game can control the clock, but it only works when the offense finishes drives with points.

Indianapolis also has a reliable middle-field target in tight end Tyler Warren. A tight end lines up near the offensive line but can run routes and catch passes. Warren has 38 catches in seven games, showing how often the Colts look his way when they need a steady play. The passing group faces a challenge, though: wide receiver Alec Pierce remains on injured reserve with a heel injury. His absence takes away a deep target who can stretch the field.

Miami arrives with its own major challenge. Quarterback Malik Willis is on injured reserve, and running back De’Von Achane is out with a knee injury. Willis had supplied quick feet and 232 rushing yards, while Achane was expected to be a central piece of the attack. Without them, the Dolphins need wide receiver Malik Washington and tight end Greg Dulcich to help keep the passing game moving. Washington leads this group with 350 receiving yards and is dangerous after short catches, while Dulcich gives the offense another target over the middle.

The Colts defense has allowed plenty of yards this season, but it can create sudden swings. Defensive end Laiatu Latu forced a fumble against Dallas last week, a reminder that one hit can change the shape of a game. Miami’s offense has struggled to reach 16 points per game, and missing key playmakers makes that task tougher inside the loud indoor stadium.

Both teams are chasing a turning point, but Indianapolis has the stronger runner, the home field and proof from last week that it can battle until the end. Expect the Colts to win by leaning on Taylor and making Miami earn every yard.

Jonathan Taylor Carries the Colts Toward a Home Reset