Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Jonathan Taylor Get More Opportunities?
Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Jonathan Taylor Get More Opportunities?
Thursday's game features two teams that are underperforming to begin the year.
The Denver Broncos will take on the Indianapolis Colts in Empower Field at Mile High for an exciting matchup. The Broncos started the season 2-2 with their newly acquired quarterback, Russell Wilson.
Expectations were much higher for the Broncos heading into the season. But now Denver's lost two big playmakers to injuries this season between Tim Patrick and Javonte Williams.
Williams' torn ACL happened last week. Therefore, the Broncos added Latavious Murray to their roster from the Saints' practice squad.
Meanwhile, the Colts upgraded at quarterback with Matt Ryan, but that upgrade hasn't paid dividends so far. The Colts are just 1-2-1 and can't even get Jonathan Taylor room to run right now.
Which team or total should you back on Thursday Night Football? Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Thursday night's game between the Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts.
Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: October 6, 2022
- Game Time: 8:15 pm ET
- Where to Watch: Prime Video
Broncos vs. Colts Odds
- Spread: Colts +3.5 (-110); Broncos -3.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 43.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Broncos (-180) ; Colts (+155)
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Broncos vs. Colts Injury Report
Broncos
Questionable: RB Melvin Gordon (Neck), DB Darius Phillips (Hamstring), QB Russell Wilson (Shoulder) Out: RB Javonte Williams (Knee), S Justin Simmons (Quadricep)
Colts
Questionable: S Julian Blackmon (Ankle), C Ryan Kelly (Knee), RB Jonathan Taylor (Ankle) Out: DE Tyquan Lewis (Concussion), LB Shaquille Leonard (Concussion)
Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Prediction
The Denver Broncos haven't performed all that well this season. But they've got a chance to go 3-2 through their first five games.
That would be a win for the Broncos, despite losing to Seattle earlier this year.
The Broncos have a lot of adjusting to do. This is head coach Nathaniel Hackett's first time as a head coach. Quarterback Russell Wilson switched teams. Meanwhile, starting running back Javonte Williams tore his ACL, and Tim Patrick, who had been a breakout candidate this year, was already out of the equation in the offseason due to injury.
Wilson has led his team to multiple Super Bowls and is a great leader. But he's got to be an even better leader for this Denver team. Things are already starting to fall apart, but he's got to keep it all together.
The Broncos have been an average football team. They've protected Wilson well with the offensive line, which is one of the reasons why Wilson considered coming to Denver. However, other than Courtland Sutton, the Broncos are getting inconsistent playing out of the rest of their playmakers.
Meanwhile, the defense has played very well against the pass. They've given up just 192.8 yards per game in the air and have one of the best secondaries and pass rushes in the NFL this season.
The Colts are currently 1-2-1 on the year and have just one win on the year, which was against the Chiefs. The Colts caught the Chiefs on a bad day and ended up winning. But right now, Matt Ryan is not playing well and doesn't even look like an upgrade to Carson Wentz four games into the season.
The Colts have averaged 369 yards per game but only have 14.3 points per game to show for it. They need to start capitalizing around the red zone. They're not finishing drives and struggling to execute on third and fourth downs.
Meanwhile, the defense has looked good against the run but has struggled immensely against the pass. Denver's got some legitimate receiver threats like Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, who can get behind the Colts' defense and score long touchdowns. That's got to be in play for the Broncos.
Meanwhile, the Broncos' area of concern is the rushing defense. They're going to have to face Jonathan Taylor. And you know the Colts want to get Taylor involved more in this offense moving forward.
Therefore, the Over 43.5 is the play to consider here.
Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Pick
- Over 43.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to Win $100)
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Article Author
Jason grew up an avid sports fan. His passion for sports writing grew in high school and he developed a blog that was strictly for New York Sports. From his work, you will quickly realize that he loves looking at games from an analytical and numbers perspective and hopes to provide you with that same perspective in his articles.