Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Colts vs. Broncos)
High expectations before the start of the season for two clubs with new quarterbacks will be pit against one another this week on Thursday Night Football. And four weeks into the season, both have QB question marks remaining.
After acquiring Matt Ryan, many predicted that the Indianapolis Colts would win the AFC South, but so far, Indianapolis (1-2-1) has had difficulty. The Denver Broncos (2-2), who were anticipated to contend for the AFC West after dealing for Russell Wilson in the summer, are in a similar situation.
When the two teams meet on Thursday night in Denver, one of them will have a clearer picture. Let’s dive in.
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NFL Week 5 Thursday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Colts vs. Broncos)
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
Details
- Opening Line: Broncos -3 | O/U 43
- Current Line: Broncos -3.5 | O/U 42.5
- Last meeting: October 27, 2019 – Broncos 13, Colts 15
Overview
As kickoff draws closer in Denver, the attention has turned to the running games in this one, even if the quarterbacks are the heart of both offenses. Jonathan Taylor, an All-Pro back for the Colts, is out after sustaining a severely fractured right ankle against Tennessee on Sunday. On Wednesday’s injury report, Taylor was noted as a non-participant while wearing a walking boot. He is not in danger of suffering additional injuries, said the team physicians.
Shaquille Leonard, a linebacker for Indianapolis, won’t play either since he broke his nose and was later found to have a concussion on Sunday. Both Julian Blackmon, a safety, and defensive end Tyquan Lewis (concussion) have been ruled out of Thursday’s game as well for an increasingly depleted Colts defense.
The Broncos have not been without injuries of their own, however. When linebacker Randy Gregory was placed on the disabled list due to a knee injury sustained Sunday in Las Vegas, Denver lost a crucial component of its defense, who will now miss at least four weeks.
The loss of star running back Javonte Williams to a season-ending ACL tear against the Raiders was more significant, however, which I think we see translate to difficulties here. On Tuesday, Latavius Murray, a running back, was signed by the Denver Broncos off the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints.
Bottom Line
With Williams out and the injuries to the Colts’ defense, I think we see this be the game that Wilson finally quiets all of his doubters. When they need him most, look for a big game from #3, and for Broncos back up running back Melvin Gordon III to also step up as the Broncos roll at Mile High.
Pick: Broncos -3.5
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