Divisional NFL Predictions: Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos
By Erik Lambert
Oct 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) after the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos have vowed to go all the way, and the Indianapolis Colts are in their way. Do the NFL predictions favor them?
Subplots:
Peyton Manning help defense with Andrew Luck
The Broncos defense isn’t a slouch, but they also aren’t suffocating. They can’t be expected to shut down an emerging All-Pro like Andrew Luck by themselves, even at home. That is why this game, fittingly, belongs in the hands of the guy Luck replaced. Peyton Manning has his doubters about his ability at age 38. He’ll have to prove them wrong yet again if he wants to hold down his successor for another year.
Key Matchups:
Donte Moncrief vs. Bradley Roby
So often big playoff games are decided by unheralded rookies stepping up to make big plays. Both the Broncos and Colts will need contributions in that area. Wide receiver Donte Moncrief has become a reliable target for the Colts. He’s likely to see a lot of Broncos rookie corner Bradley Roby. How well each of them plays could determine which way things go, early and late.
C.J. Anderson vs. Colts front seven
Stopping the run has never been a sure thing for the Colts defense even dating back to last season. They succeed some games, and completely fail others. Denver has reinvented their offensive approach of late with a bigger commitment to the run, and understated running back C.J. Anderson has become the key. When he gets going, the Broncos are hard to stop. Indianapolis can’t let that happen.
Pick: IND 28, DEN 31
Peyton Manning is running out of time and his team knows it. Andrew Luck will keep it close but the Broncos have a better defense and too much firepower to let this home game slip away.