Last year, the Denver Broncos rode Peyton Manning to the Super Bowl. After a December swoon, the experts see the future Hall of Famer returning to form to take out the visiting Indianapolis Colts.
NFL playoff picks and predictions, Colts vs. Broncos 2015: Experts ride with Peyton Manning
Most expect Denver to advance to the conference championship.
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While the Colts are considered underdogs, they have the ability to win any game due to their quarterback. Andrew Luck is one of the few players in the league who can take over a game by himself and will his team to victory. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, Luck broke tackles, created extra time with his legs, and threw strikes including a high-difficulty throw to Donte Moncrief in the corner of the end zone. Even against a great team like Denver, Luck has the ability to keep Indianapolis competitive.
The major question for the Broncos is whether the time off will help Peyton Manning overcome his recent struggles. Over his last four games, Manning has tossed just three touchdowns and thrown six interceptions, the worst stretch of his time in Denver. The dip in performance raised questions about Manning’s health and perhaps whether he might be nearing the end of his storied career. A strong showing in the playoffs would go a long way towards silence his critics.
The experts are nearly all in on the Broncos this week. Every member of CBS Sports’ eight-man panel sees Peyton Manning and company rolling this weekend.
CBS Sports senior writer Pete Prisco had this to say about the game:
This is all about Andrew Luck vs. Peyton Manning, the young star versus the older one at quarterback. They can say all they want that this isn't about them, but it is. The Broncos weren't the same pass-heavy team late in the season as they were last year and early this season. But that will change in the playoffs. It has to if they are to win a title. I think the Broncos will be able to have a lot of success throwing it against the Colts, who were 17th in pass yards per play on defense. That means Manning will be taking shots down the field. Indianapolis can score with Luck, but I just don't know if they can keep up. The Denver pass rushers should be able to get after him, especially with backup Joe Reitz in at right tackle. The Denver defense was first in the league in pass defense, a unit that can cover as well as rush. Add it all up, and I think the Broncos will win comfortably to advance to the title game.
Here at SB Nation, six of our seven experts are leaning towards Indianapolis.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter | Matt Ufford | |
| IND vs. DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | IND | DEN |
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