Steve Starr
- The Denver Broncos (2-2) are 3-point home favorites over the Indianapolis Colts (1-3)
- Jonathan Taylor will likely miss the game after injuring his ankle in Week 4
- Thursday Night Football on Prime Video kicks off from Mile High in Denver on October 6 at 8:25pm ET
Two of the NFL’s most disappointing clubs through the season’s first month will battle on Thursday Night Football this week without their star running backs. 2021 rushing champion Jonathan Taylor tweaked his ankle in the Colts’ 24-17 loss to Tennessee while Javonte Williams suffered a serious knee injury in Denver’s 32-23 loss to the Raiders.
Before we check the odds for the big game on Prime Video, here’s where you can find the best Super Bowl betting tips and the top betting sites for NFL football in 2022
Broncos vs Colts
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Indianapolis Colts | +3.0 (-110) | +140 | Ov 43.5 (-105) |
| Denver Broncos | -3.0 (-110) | -160 | Un 43.5 (-115) |
It’s ugly in Indy
Frank Reich is on the hot seat after a 1-2-1 start that saw the Colts lose to their AFC South rivals in Tennessee and Jacksonville and tie the lowly Texans. Team owner Jim Irsay kicked Carson Wentz out the door in favor of Matt Ryan. But, the 15-year veteran has been horrible through four games, fumbling nine times in four contests.
Even before suffering an ankle injury on Sunday, Jonathan Taylor was completely ineffective in Week 4, running for 42 yards on 20 attempts with a fumble. The third-year back has set career lows in consecutive weeks, averaging 2.1 yards per carry versus the Titans after a 3.4 yards YPC performance against the Chiefs in Week 3.
Matt Ryan fumbled twice in the Colts' 24-17 loss to rival Tennessee, giving the 15-year veteran nine fumbles in four games. That puts him on pace for 38 this season.
by @apmarot https://t.co/ABUZ65C7lY
— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) October 2, 2022
Broncos run D gashed
Denver allowed Josh Jacobs to run for a career-high 144 yards with two TDs in a 32-23 loss to their AFC West rivals in Vegas. The problem is the Colts will have no way to take advantage, assuming Taylor misses the game. Even with JT on Sunday, Indy managed only 38 net rushing yards, the franchise’s fewest in seven years.
The Broncos defense should get back on track in Mile High against a one-dimensional offense that’s missing its one dimension. If cornerback Patrick Surtain can lock down Michael Pittman, it’s hard to see Frank Reich’s club putting many points on the board.
Signs of life from Russ?
Russell Wilson threw for 237 yards and two scores in Week 4, but his 29 rushing yards and a TD on the ground were even more encouraging. Denver’s going to need more of that from their veteran QB after losing their best offensive weapon, Javonte Williams, to a season-ending knee injury.
The Broncos lead the NFL in offensive penalty yards (145) – a sign of a poorly coached team. Nathaniel Hackett’s offense also ranks third worst league-wide in the percentage of plays (37.2%) that go for zero or negative yards. In the loss to Vegas, they had a pathetic final drive and registered three straight three-and-outs at one point.
After Eli Manning joked on Monday night’s ManningCast that the Broncos should’ve paid their punter $235 million instead of Russell Wilson, the Denver QB responded today: pic.twitter.com/aVHntOS3Js
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 28, 2022
Best Bet
Oddsmakers have installed Denver is a three-point favorite at Mile High with a low game total of 43.5 points. The winner of this one will be the team that limits their turnovers. Indianapolis is tied for the second-worst turnover differential (minus 6) in the NFL. And the Broncos coughed up two fumble returns for touchdowns on Sunday.
We’ll ride with Russell Wilson’s club against an Indy team that will be without All-Pro linebacker Shaq Leonard (concussion) and Taylor. Matt Ryan will be a sitting duck in the pocket against Denver’s defense.
Final Score Prediction: Denver 24, Colts 13
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
