The Indianapolis Colts (6-7) travel to play the Denver Broncos (8-5). Indianapolis is a long shot to make the playoffs. However, they are in second place in the AFC South, two games behind first-place Houston. Denver is one of the surprise teams in the NFL and could reach the fourth seed in the AFC playoffs. Our Colts vs Broncos prediction is for underdog Indianapolis to cover the 4-point spread.
Head-to-head, Indianapolis leads with a 15-14 record.
Offshore Odds: Denver Favored by 4 at Home
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colts | +4 (-105) | +180 | O 44 (-105) |
| Broncos | -4 (-115) | -210 | U 44 (-115) |
Indianapolis’ Division Hopes Are Surprisingly Real
Although the Colts have lost both their matchups with the first-place Texans, they have a weak schedule after playing Denver. With games against Tennessee, the Giants, and Jacksonville, it is reasonable to believe they could reach nine wins. Their chances are even greater if they upset Denver.
Since Anthony Richardson was given back his role as starting quarterback (mostly due to Joe Flacco’s ineffectiveness), the Colts have won two of three. He has not played all that much better than he did before, but the results are what matters. He did show nerve in the comeback win over the Jets.
Indianapolis should take note of how Cleveland was able to effectively pick apart Denver’s defense, scoring 32 points in a Week 13 loss. Jameis Winston threw the ball 58 times for four touchdowns. He was also intercepted three times.
Of course, Indianapolis cannot put that much pressure on Richardson given his accuracy issues. Still, a few downfield completions can help boost the ground game for Jonathan Taylor and Richardson.
Denver’s Improvement is Coming Early Under Sean Payton
When Sean Payton was named head coach of the Broncos, he was expected to take around three years to get them into legitimate contention. They hovered around a playoff spot in his first season despite Payton being unhappy with Russell Wilson as his starting quarterback. Now, with Bo Nix, his handpicked rookie QB, the Broncos have won three straight.
The Broncos won games earlier in the season due to their defense. The offense is catching up. Cleveland lighting up the scoreboard is worrisome, but Indianapolis does not have that kind of firepower, particularly with Richardson so scattershot.
After their Week 14 bye, Denver is completely healthy. Expect them to play conservatively at first with a running attack led by Javonte Williams as they hope their defense forced Richardson into turnovers. Then they will open it up later with Nix targeting Cortland Sutton.
Colts vs Broncos Prediction: Two Teams Battle to the End
Indianapolis has fought hard all season. They have become adept at winning close games. Denver has been improving markedly as the season has progressed, but the defensive lapses against Cleveland are concerning. Although Denver is likely to win, Indianapolis will keep the score within four points.
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Pick
Colts +4 (-115)
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