Denver Broncos (0-0) vs. Indianapolis Colts (0-0)
August 11, 2024 1:00 pm EDT
The Line: Indianapolis Colts -1.5 ; Over/Under: 38.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts meet Sunday in NFL preseason week 1 action at Lucas Oil Stadium. Here’s a Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos Prediction. This article will include a Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos Pick.
Denver Broncos Betting Preview
The Denver Broncos won 8 games last year and haven’t made the playoffs since winning the Super Bowl in 2015. The Broncos enter the second year under coach Sean Payton. Russell Wilson is not around to blame anymore, which means it’s the Bo Nix show at quarterback? Javonte Williams has shown flashes at running back, while Marvin Mims Jr. and Courtland Sutton are capable receivers. The Broncos also have a decent offensive line, but none of that matters if Nix or Jarrett Stidham can’t get things going at quarterback.
The Broncos defense fell off a cliff last year, and it’s not excepted to be any better this year. Pat Surtain II is an elite cornerback and the defensive line is above average, but there’s just not a lot of talent or depth on this side of the ball. There’s little highlights on this Bronco’s roster and being in the ridiculous AFC, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Denver picking in the top-5 come April.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Preview
The Indianapolis Colts won 9 games last season and enter the second year under coach Shane Steichen. There’s legit expectations on the Colts this season considering they almost Mae the playoffs without their starting quarterback. Anthony Richardson is healthy this time around and brings legit playmaking ability to the offense. Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs are a terrific receiving duo and Adonai Mitchell is an intriguing rookie. The Colts offensive line is above average and Jonathan Taylor is arguably the best running back in the league.
Defensively, the Colts have an elite defensive line led by Kwity Paye and DeForest Buckner, while the secondary is good enough to get by. The addition of Raekwon Davis only improves the depth and makes things scarier. The Colts have questions at linebacker, but overall this should be a fun team that could make a playoff run if health is on their side, mainly at quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos Prediction
The Indianapolis Colts are getting the benefit of the doubt because they’re at home, and they have the better roster overall. The Broncos have a roster that could produce one of the worst seasons in the league. However, in terms of preseason, the Broncos could be successful because they have questions at quarterback. Instead of constant roster turnover for the Colts, the Broncos should give big minutes to guys like Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, which could produce offense due to the consistent reps. I’ll grab the points with the Broncos.
