Denver Broncos (8-4) vs. Indianapolis Colts (12-0) Game Preview

Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Colts should be an interesting match. Denver is fighting for their playoff lives; they are in the wildcard chase but only a couple of games out of leading their division. Indianapolis has wrapped up their division but they are looking for home field advantage throughout the course of the playoffs. It is important for both teams and it will come down to who wants it more, oh and Indianapolis is still undefeated so that could also play a part in who wants it more for either team. For Indianapolis to remain undefeated (also to extend that winning streak to leap frog that New England football team for most consecutive wins) and for Denver to be the ones to defeat the Colts and bring the streak to an end. This will be an exciting game filled with big plays on both sides of the ball, if you are able to watch the game don’t miss it.

Key Match-up

Indianapolis offense vs. Denver defense

Indianapolis at times this year has struggled to get the offense going, but when it comes to big games they most definitely come up big. Peyton Manning is leading the league in passing yards and is as efficient as ever, the young wide receivers are coming of age and of course the old veterans Clark and Wayne are doing what they always do, be reliable. Where Indianapolis could have problems will start on the defensive line with Elvis Dumervil, he is an absolute beast on the line; also don’t forget that Denver had a key acquisition in the off season by the name of Brian Dawkins that has helped with leadership on that defense. Indy is a high powered offense and Denver is a strong defense, this match will be the one to watch on Sunday.

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Keys to the Game

Indianapolis: Wide Receivers

Denver: Run game setting up pass

If the Colts’ will have success the key will be the wide receivers in this game. In order to make it a good day for the offense the wide receivers must be able to get separation in the secondary. Most teams have the run to set up the pass; Indianapolis uses the pass to set up their run game, which has been lacking production all year.

If the Broncos’ are to pull out a victory the running game will be a key in this game, if they establish their run game it will keep pressure off of Kyle Orton and will allow him to look for Brandon Marshall down the field. Indy has been susceptible to the big pass plays and this could be what helps Denver pull out a win.

Indianapolis is a team that has won every way possible this year and I believe that this game will be no different. Look for Manning to expose the Denver defense in the pass game and look also for that Indy run game to possibly show up to help the offense. Denver is a tough team that will fight hard and make a good game out of it but I just see the Colts’ being too much for the Broncos. Also, Kyle Orton has been inconsistent this year the hopes of the Broncos hinge on his decision making and his ability to make the key passes in key situations. I think Indianapolis will continue rolling along, but as I said before Indy is not looking to go perfect they are looking to gain the home field and then get some rest to make a run at the Super Bowl and I believe that on Sunday they take another step to making that happen.

By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Indianapolis Colts Correspondent