TNF Preview and Bets: Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos

Sports Opinion by Ethan Irish and Josh Blatt

    This week on TNF we will be seeing the Indianapolis Colts take on the Denver Broncos in Denver. The Colts have struggled this year so far other than a fluke win against a much superior Kansas City Chiefs team where they won 20-17. They are dead last in points per game at 14.3 and overall have had a rough time scoring the ball average 1.5 touchdowns per game.

    For Denver, the highlight of their season thus far has been the defense other than last weeks game against the Las Vegas Raiders. That game was the highest scoring game the Broncos have been in through four weeks by 22 points, the final ended up being a 32-23 Raiders win. I was expecting more from the Russell Wilson led offense and it will interesting to see how he plays against a struggling Indianapolis Colts team.

Ethan's Take:

    All of these prime time games this year are lining up to be atrocious it seems. This one is not an exception to that. The Colts have been horrible this year and are riddled with some injuries, the most recent being star running back Jonathan Taylor who will not be playing in this game. I think this update makes Indianapolis throw the ball more, even if it is against one of the best pass defenses in the league in the Denver Broncos. It will be up to the Colts offensive line to perform way better than they have been giving up sacks 8.88% of the time. 

    What seems to be the only highlight for the Denver Broncos has been the defense, like I said before. More specifically, their pass defense. They are 5th in both passing yards allowed and yards per pass in the league at 170.8 and 5.3, respectively. For the offense, the Broncos starting running back, Javonte Williams is also out in this game. I think this is a good spot for Russell Wilson to maybe break out and have a solid performance but honestly I am not sure.

    It seems to be lining up that we will see a lot of passing in this game just from injuries which kind of stinks I was liking the under up until Taylor's injury news. The total still may go under I just am avoiding it now that the running game may not be as much of a factor.

Josh's Take:

     I agree with Ethan, every time that I decide to stay up later the night before I have to go into work-- we get one of the worst football games of all time. 11-10? 24-9? They can't keep getting away with this. The Colts are looking to secure a win without the services of Jonathan Taylor, who they have yet to be without this season, and the Broncos are looking to win without Javonte Williams. The lack of star-power at running back will be a huge story this Thursday.

    We'll have the honor and privilege of watching Melvin Gordon face off against Nyheim Hines in the running back battle of the century. Another story exists in the quarterback competition between Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan. Both of whom are in their first season with a new team and aren't adjusting as well as their perspective front offices would like. I see a lot of passing in this one, I don't think the back up running backs will get too much action, although they will get enough carries to hit their rushing overs in my opinion. I wouldn't be shocked to see both quarterbacks throw for 250+ yards however. I think this game will start with a touchdown, most likely coming from Melvin Gordon, followed by a Colts field goal. I love o7.5 points in the first quarter.

Ethan's Bets:

Courtland Sutton Receptions o4.5 (-135) (BetMGM)

Melvin Gordan Receiving Yards o11.5 (-113) (Fanduel)

Jerry Jeudy Anytime TD Scorer (+220) (Fanduel)

Matt Ryan Passing Yards o228.5 (-115) (Draftkings)

Josh's Bets: 

Total 1st Quarter Points o7.5 (Fanduel)

Melvin Gordon Anytime TD Scorer (+130) (Fanduel)

Jerry Jeudy Receiving Yards o51.5 (-113) (Fanduel)