Dolphins open season under pressure to break playoff curse

The Miami Dolphins kick off their NFL season against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Why it matters: Miami's front office will be feeling the pressure to not only make the playoffs — which the team failed to do last year — but end its 25-year drought without a playoff win, the longest active streak in the NFL.

Catch up quick: The Fins had a subpar 2024, missing the playoffs for the first time under coach Mike McDaniels and going 8-9.

• Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed six games due to injury.
• Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill had his worst statistical season since 2019 and pulled himself out of Miami's regular-season finale, later indicating he wanted a trade. (He eventually apologized and walked back those comments.)
• Despite not being voted a team captain, Hill appears to be on good terms with Tagovailoa and the rest of his teammates now.

Saying goodbye: Miami lost the likes of safety Jalen Ramsey, running back Raheem Mostert, tight end Jonnu Smith, safety Jevon Holland and defensive end Calais Campbell to free agency.

New signings: The Fins reunited with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick in the Ramsey trade, drafted running back Ollie Gordon II and acquired wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, backup quarterback Zach Wilson and tight end Darren Waller over the summer.

What we're watching: Can Tagovailoa stay healthy and fuel this offense to its former high-scoring glory?

What's next: The Dolphins take on the Colts this Sunday at 1pm.

• They return to Hard Rock Stadium for their home debut Sept. 14 against the New England Patriots.

Full schedule, ticket and TV information here