Bryan Armetta offers up a preview, prediction and pick for Sunday’s Week 2 game between the Denver Broncos and the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts shocked the football world last week, dominating the Dolphins en route to a 33-8 victory. Today’s matchup poses a different challenge to Indianapolis and new quarterback Daniel Jones. The Broncos wield one of football’s most dominant defenses. Still, Denver stumbled at times during its 20-12 triumph over the Titans. Which of these potential AFC contenders will earn a win in Week 2? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Sunday’s showdown between the Broncos and the Colts.
The Broncos are favored by 1.5 points (-110) over the Colts, with the over/under set at 43.5 points. Which of these rivals has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook entering this contest?
Broncos vs. Colts prediction, preview
One thing is for certain following Week 1: we may have underestimated Daniel Jones. The former Giants quarterback was electric during his debut for Indianapolis, throwing for 272 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, he gained 26 yards and two scores. Now, should fans expect a similar performance every weekend? Of course not, but it’s fair to say the Colts may have found a diamond in the rough. Let’s be clear: Danny Dimes was, at best, mediocre during his six-year tenure in New York. However, Indy’s roster is far more complete than anything he had with Big Blue.
Offensive production will be much harder to come by this week. In 2024, the Broncos surrendered the ninth-fewest total yards to opponents (325.7). In addition, they recorded the league’s highest sack rate (9.33%) and sixth-most tackles for loss (94). Denver had no trouble picking up where it left off, sacking Titans QB Cam Ward six different times. However, the Colts wield one of the NFL’s better offensive lines. When these teams met last December, Indianapolis was held to just 13 points.
On the other side of the ball, Bo Nix will look to turn the page following a rough season opener. Tennessee forced the second-year passer into plenty of mistakes, leading to two interceptions. Still, the Oregon alum remains one of the game’s best quarterbacks. Last year, the Pro Bowler accumulated 3,775 passing yards, 430 rushing yards, and 33 total touchdowns. In 2024, the Colts coughed up the seventh-most passing yards per game to opponents (229.4). Was last week’s stellar showing against the Dolphins a sign of Indianapolis’ improved secondary? Right now, it’s too early to tell.
Broncos vs. Colts pick, best bet
There’s a chance the Colts are a budding Super Bowl contender in the AFC. Then again, teams fade after hot starts all the time in the NFL. Going from Miami’s turnstile defense to Denver’s ferocious pass rush is a difficult assignment for Jones. As long as Nix doesn’t turn the ball over, the Broncos should earn a hard-fought road win on Sunday.