Oct 6, 2022, 12:29 pm ET in NFL
97 views
Read Time: 4 min

Expert Top Pick of the Day: Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos

Top Pick of the Day

The Colts and Broncos will clash tonight at Empower Field in Denver as both teams try to get back into the win column. Indianapolis seemed destined to turn their season around after their 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3.

However, last Sunday, they trailed the Tennessee Titans by 17 points and made a great effort in the second half but came up short, losing 24-17.

Denver’s two-game winning streak was stopped by the Las Vegas Raiders on the road last week 32-23. Their defense had been outstanding, giving up just 36 points in the first three games, but struggled last weekend when Josh Jacobs rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns. However, the Broncos are still one of the top pass defenses in the league, giving up just 171 yards per game.

             

Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos Schedule

 

  • Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022
  • Time: 6:15 PM MDT
  • Location: Empower Field, Denver, CO

 

Colts Struggles Continue

The Colts’ problems this season begins on offense, where the line has failed to protect QB Matt Ryan, and the ground game is stagnant, even though they have the league’s best running back in Jonathan Taylor.

He also injured his ankle in last week’s contest but said he’ll be ready to play on Thursday night. Indy is 27th in the league in rushing and last in points per game at 14.3.

Matt Ryan has 1,125 yards passing with five touchdowns and five interceptions through four games. Taylor has had a disappointing start to his season with just 328 yards on 81 carries, averaging 4 yards per rush. Their leading receiver is Michael Pittman, who has 20 receptions for 224 yards and one touchdown on the season.

 

Injuries Hamper Broncos Ahead of Week 5

The Broncos continue to deal with injuries to key players on both sides of the ball. Starting RB Javonte Williams wrecked his knee on the first play of the second half against the Raiders, suffering a torn ACL and LCL, which will put him on the shelf for the rest of the season.

They also lost DE Randy Gregory for 2-6 weeks after he also injured his knee last Sunday. Safeties Justin Simmons and P.J. Locke will also be sidelined for tonight’s game with injuries.

QB Russell Wilson suffered a shoulder injury last week but should be ready for tonight’s matchup. He’s thrown for 980 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.

Williams led the offense in rushing yards before his injury, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Courtland Sutton is Denver’s leading receiver with 343 yards and one touchdown this season. 

              

Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos Odds Comparison

The Colts are 1-5 against the spread in their last six games, and the total has gone under in all five of their previous games on the road. The total has gone under for the Broncos in ten of their last 14 games against Indianapolis and has gone under in six of their previous eight home games.

 

  • DraftKings has the Broncos at -170, on a spread of -3.5, and the total is 42.  
  • FanDuel has the Broncos at -188, on a spread of -3.5, and the total is 42.5.
  • Caesars has the Broncos at -170, on a spread of -3, and the total is 42.

 

Godds Pick or Prediction of the Game

There shouldn’t be a lot of scoring from two of the worst offensive teams in the league, but with the Broncos losing their leading rusher, they’ll have even more difficulty moving the ball.

QB Matt Ryan played better for Indy in a losing effort on Sunday, and Taylor should have success this week against a banged-up Denver defense.

Godds Pick/Prediction: The Colts win, and the total stays under.