A matchup between the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts was seen as one of the definite highlights of the season and a potential AFC Championship preview before the season got underway. Eight weeks in, though, the Broncos are right where we expected and the Colts are .... well, the Colts are not.
Broncos vs. Colts picks and predictions: Experts unanimous in picking Denver
Experts think Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos will take down the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
Andrew Luck and the Colts have struggled big time this season, and sit at 3-5 on the year. Fortunately for them, a 3-5 record is actually enough for them to be tied for the lead in the AFC South with the Houston Texans. Both teams sit at 3-5, and the only reason the Colts are competitive in the division is the fact that their three wins are over the other three teams in the division.
Outside of those wins, the Colts have been dominated this year. They have ultimately made games relatively close, but they still fell short against all the good teams they have played, most recently losing by a field goal to the Carolina Panthers in overtime.
They have lost three consecutive games now, and recently made the decision to fire offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. He has been replaced by Rob Chudzinski, but it’s hard to imagine a rapid turnaround for Luck, who is struggling big time this year. Luck has completed just 54.9 percent of his passes for 1,629 yards with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He has barely thrown more touchdowns than picks.
His play is very similar to that of the man he ended up replacing in Indianapolis, and who is under center for the Broncos: Peyton Manning. The Broncos may be 7-0 on the season, but Manning is struggling big time and the Broncos are only surviving on the back of their excellent defense. Manning has completed 62.8 percent of his passes for 1,864 yards, seven touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
Manning did play better in the team's last game though, a tough showdown against the Green Bay Packers. Manning completed 72.4 percent of his passes for 340 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception that came late in the game when the Broncos were well ahead. He looked in command and his velocity was up, which is good given his age and his struggles earlier in the season.
As far as experts are concerned, this game is open and shut. It’s obvious that the Broncos will win the game, especially given the fact that every single expert picking for CBS Sports, ESPN and here at SB Nation picked the Broncos to win it.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark | |
| DEN vs. IND | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN | DEN |
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