The Denver Broncos have some big concerns as they start the NFL season, but they also have Peyton Manning on their team. How will they fare in their 2014 season opener?
Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos
Sunday, September 7th – 8:30 PM ET
Odds: Denver -7.5
Why The Colts Will Cover
They have a player in Andrew Luck who has struggled at times but is gaining more experience, a crucial reason why Indianapolis can expect to be better this season. Luck has struggled at times with the turnover bug. He can still be impatient and throw a pass into a tight window. He’s not the masterful and controlled quarterback that the superstars are. He’s not yet at Peyton Manning’s level, or at least, he hasn’t been.
However, Luck’s work and study habits are already legendary. He is known as being a film-study animal, the first guy to enter the practice facility and the last one to leave, much like Manning. With Luck entering his third NFL season, one should expect him to exhibit even more command of the Colts’ offense and of the game in general. The flow of action should slow down around him in this game. He should be able to process plays much more fluidly. He should be able to respond better to various personnel groupings and formations. If this one thing happens for the Colts, they should be able to move the ball against a Denver defense that has a lot of talent, but has a lot of new parts that might need a little time to work together properly. Danny Trevathan is a key linebacker for the Broncos, but his injury and lack of availability in this game are really going to hurt Denver. Luck should be able to exploit this and, at the very least, keep the Colts close if not lead them to a win.
Why The Broncos Will Cover
They have Peyton Manning, and the Colts don’t. Denver is also playing at home. The Broncos should be able to establish a good comfort zone in their own stadium. Last year, they were badly outplayed by the Colts most of the way and lost, but that game was in Indianapolis. Now, Denver gets to turn the tables on the Colts, getting Indianapolis at home. The fact that this is a season opener should probably give the Broncos extra energy and drive to play well in this game, on Sunday Night Football and NBC. This is not just one of several afternoon games. It’s a featured game, and the fact that it’s being played at night should make it easier for the Broncos to execute their offense in that receivers won’t be looking into the sun, and won’t have to deal with potentially hot conditions in early September. A comfortable environment works to Peyton Manning’s advantage.
What’s also valuable for Denver is the combination of DeMarcus Ware at defensive end and Aqib Talib in the secondary. With these two acquisitions, the Broncos can expect to bother Luck for most of the night, at least enough to win by two touchdowns.
Outlook
If the number was 5.5, Denver might be a good pick to win by a touchdown and cover. However, Andrew Luck is going to be so tough for the Broncos to deal with. You would think Peyton will win the game outright, but Luck’s going to keep the game close, enabling Indianapolis to cover.
Pick: Indianapolis +7.5
