Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos Betting Preview/Prop Picks
06 October 2022
Time: 8:15 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Indianapolis 127.521; Denver 128.388
Dunkel Line & Total: Denver by 1; 47
Vegas Line & Total: Denver by 3 ½; 44
Dunkel Pick: Indianapolis (+3 ½); Over
The Indianapolis Colts are 1-2-1 after last week's loss to the Tennessee Titans. This team is struggling to find an identity, and it's only getting more complicated.
It was revealed that Jonathan Taylor will be out for this game against the Denver Broncos. Even with the injuries and the poor record, they only come in as 3.5-point underdogs.
The Denver Broncos find themselves with a record of 2-2 after last week's loss. Denver fell to the Las Vegas Raiders but to be fair; they were playing on the road.
Now, they're back at home and looking to secure their third win of the year. Although they have Russell Wilson, they've yet to really establish their passing game. Perhaps this week, they'll be able to do so.
Indianapolis Colts: How can the Colts get past Denver's defense
The Colts already come in with a disadvantage since they'll be without Jonathan Taylor. Taylor is their leading rusher, but they have Nyheim Hines to back him up.
Hines is a much more versatile back and does really well on screens. The Colts need to establish their offense quickly and score on their first possession. This way, they'll set the pace for the remainder of the game.
As a team, the Colts rank 10th in the NFL in passing yards per game (252.0). However, they have the worst scoring offense in the NFL, averaging just 14.3 points per game. Perhaps bringing Matt Ryan over wasn't a good idea.
Their defense allows 21.3 points per game, and getting through Denver's defense will be tough. Still, don't rule out the Colts too quickly.
Denver Broncos: Wilson needs to bring this offense along
We're in Week 5 already, and the Broncos' offense doesn't look nearly as potent as we thought it would be. When they signed Russell Wilson, we believed this offense would elevate rather quickly.
Instead, the Broncos are averaging 16.5 points per game, ranking 30th in the NFL. Before any blame can be placed on anyone, it's important to note a few things.
Wilson is still getting used to his offensive line after not playing in the preseason. Last week, turnovers were a big problem, but that will be cleaned up as well.
Keep in mind that Melvin Gordon, who committed a costly turnover, will see most of the carries. This puts the Broncos in a tough position as they'll have a running back known for fumbling in the game.
Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos Betting Pick
The Broncos come into this game as 3.5-point favorites, but we don't see them winning. The Colts have played some really tough teams; this includes the Kansas City Chiefs. Somehow, through the great defense and efficient offense, they beat the Chiefs 20-17.
That game went well under the expected total, but we don't expect that this time. These defenses have suffered a few injuries which could swing the speed of the game. Look for the Colts to cover the 3.5-point spread but only narrowly lose this game.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Indianapolis Colts +3.5, OVER
Prop Picks
Denver (-120) OVER 22.5 Points
Indianapolis is allowing 21.3 points per game on defense this season, which ranks No. 13 in the NFL. That average increases to 22.0 points per game on the road. Scores have gone OVER in 10 of the Colts’ last 14 games versus the Broncos.
With Dunkel predicting a Denver win by the score of 24-23, take the Broncos (-120) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 22.5 points against the Colts.
Matt Ryan (-120) OVER 229.5 Passing Yards
Indianapolis is averaging 252.0 passing yards per game on offense, which ranks No. 10 in the NFL. That average remains consistent at 252.0 passing yards per game on the road.
With Dunkel predicting the final score going OVER the Vegas point total, take Ryan (-120) to finish OVER 229.5 passing yards against the Broncos.
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All Media on this page by Associated Press.
