Colts vs. Dolphins | Predictions & Picks

Under the current circumstances, it by no means makes sense to favor the Indianapolis Colts (2-7) in a game.

They were already reeling enough to fire general manager Chris Ballard last month, then trade franchise pillars Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner the following week. Then this week, the fire sale continued as the team traded its top two active receivers, Josh Downs and Keenan Allen.

However, despite the clear focus on the Colts' future rather than the present, this week's opponent, the Miami Dolphins (1-7), is in even worse shape.

Three of their best players are unavailable this week, as quarterback Malik Willis and defensive tackle Zach Sieler were placed on Injured Reserve, and center Aaron Brewer is out with a concussion.

Kyle McCord will be making his first-career start against a defensive coordinator in Lou Anarumo, who enjoys making things as difficult as possible for inexperienced quarterbacks.

The Colts are 3.5-point favorites in this one, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, but what do the local experts think?

Here is how the ColtsRoundtable staff sees Sunday's game unfolding.

Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL): Colts 24, Dolphins 10

"I'm going to give head coach Shane Steichen the benefit of the doubt and say that he uses this time as an opportunity to reimagine what the offense does. Right now, all you have is two solid runners and a bunch of pedestrian receivers whose career calling cards are centered around chunk plays. Daniel Jones is going to have to sacrifice the short-throw safety of guys like Downs and Allen and push the ball a little further to the likes of Laquon Treadwell, Ashton Dulin, and Deion Burks.

"On the defensive side of the ball, the young players are actually providing something promising to watch. The defense overall isn't great, but young linemen such as Adetomiwa Adebawore, Jaylahn Tuimoloau, and Caden Curry are playing really well as of late, and rookie linebacker CJ Allen continues to improve. I think Anarumo thrives against young, inexperienced quarterbacks like McCord. Dial up the pressure."

Jake on the season: 5-4

Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2): Colts 16, Dolphins 13

"This week’s game between the Colts and the Dolphins has the makings of a slugfest. The Colts come into this one riding a five-game losing streak while having Treadwell as the only receiver on the roster with more than 100 snaps played this season.

"Meanwhile, the Dolphins are giving McCord his first-ever start at quarterback with Willis on Injured Reserve. Points will be at a premium in this one, so I expect a low-scoring affair. The Colts narrowly get the win in my prediction but we should be in store for some ugly football this Sunday."

Zach on the season: 7-2

The Colts take on the Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.