Andrew Luck showed he is back from a frustrating 2015 season with a star performance against the Lions, but his defense didn’t give any help in the loss. These teams feature opposite strengths, so it will be interesting to see how it shakes out.
Watch this regular season Week 2 matchup live on Sunday, September 18, 2016, at 4:25 p.m. ET at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Colts +6
Broncos -6
Over/Under 45.5
Odds Analysis
The gamblers are putting a lot of stock in the season-opening win over the Panthers for Denver. The defense looked tenacious and Siemian looked like a capable signal-caller, and now more than 58 percent of the money is going toward Denver to cover the spread.
While the Broncos have one of the best defenses in the NFL, the bettors believe the scoring total is set too low, with nearly 79 percent of them pegging the “over” in this matchup. If the Colts are trailing late, Luck could go to the air often a pull a late cover for the “over,” which has to be in the back of the bettors’ minds.
Injury Report
Patrick Robinson -- The Colts’ starting cornerback suffered a concussion against the Lions which forced him out of the game. It’s unknown if he will be available for this game, and the Indianapolis secondary is really getting tested. Vontae Davis, Darius Butler and Clayton Geathers were already sidelined, and then safety T.J. Green injured his knee in the contest as well.
Demaryius Thomas -- The Broncos receiver injured his hip in the opener against Carolina but stayed in the game. That matchup was on Thursday, and while he didn’t practice Monday, Thomas is expected to be back this week and play in the game.
Matchup to Watch
Siemian vs. the Colts’ secondary -- The Broncos would be just fine running the ball and relying on their defense to win the game, but Siemian will need to make some plays through the air at some critical junctures.
He finished the win over the Panthers 18-of-26 for 178 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Those numbers weren’t great, but he did enough. Now the challenge gets easier, as the Colts’ defense isn’t as good, especially if Robinson, Davis and Green are out.
Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders could really have a field day going against backup cornerbacks, but it will be incumbent on Siemian to get them the ball in advantageous positions. He showed some potential in the opener and this will be a great chance to have a big day.
Free ATS Pick
The injuries in the Indianapolis secondary could be too much for the team to overcome. Luck and the offense played well in the opener, but the difference between the Broncos’ defense and the Lions’ is night and day. The Denver pass rush and secondary make it tough on any opponent.
Indianapolis isn’t going to be able to score that many points again, and even though Siemian is unproven, he can do enough to get the Broncos the win. However, the point spread is too high in this one, an overreaction to the opening game in which Denver played so well.
The Colts will be able to hang around behind Luck’s greatness and the six points will come in handy. The “over” is also the right play as Luck should be able to pick up a late score to bring Indianapolis closer and put the total over 45.5.
NFL Odds: Broncos 27, Colts 24
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