Colts at Broncos: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Brad Weiss | Sep 15, 2016

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) is pursued by Indianapolis Colts defensive back Dewey McDonald (31) during the fourth quarter in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

In a classic AFC battle, the Indianapolis Colts take on the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority field in Denver on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos opened up their 2016 NFL season with a stunning victory over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football. Trevor Siemian was making his first NFL start, and despite a few miscues, played very well for the defending Super Bowl Champions. Siemian led the Broncos to 14 fourth quarter points, as the Broncos won the game 21-20.

On Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts hosted the Detroit Lions, in a game that showed very little on the defensive end. Quarterback Andrew Luck lit up the airways, throwing for 385 yards and four touchdowns. He hit tight end Jack Doyle for two scores, while Donte Moncrief and Dwayne Allen each had a touchdown catch a piece. The Colts took the lead with 0:37 seconds left, but a Matt Prater field goal, and a safety enabled the Lions to win 39-35.

In Week 2, the Colts will find getting into the end-zone a bit tougher, as they face one of the best defenses in all of football. Indianapolis should be able to put some points on the board, but not with the abundance they did on Sunday. The Broncos defense is going to hound Luck all day long, and will likely force the quarterback into his first turnover of the young season.

Odds

Line: DEN (-6)
Over/Under: 44

The Broncos have given Siemian the green light this season, and have assured him he does not have to look over his shoulder. He faced one of the best defenses in the in his first career start, and did not let the game get too big for him. He will be able to work Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders more on Sunday, and should have more time to get the ball out than he did on Thursday.

Next: 2016 NFL season: Epic season preview

The Colts are solid on offense, but they have way too many holes on defense. The Broncos defense is going to have to lead the way early on in 2016, as Siemian gets more comfortable under center. The spread is six points, but I expect the game to be closer than that. The Colts will hang in until late, but the Broncos will pull out their second consecutive win at home.

Pick: Denver 24, Indianapolis 21

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