Indianapolis Colts (1-2-1) face the Denver Broncos (2-2) at Empower Field at Mile High Thursday. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Colts vs. Broncos odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
Week 5 is here and that’s long enough to make a semi-accurate analysis of teams. Both the Colts and Broncos have fallen short of their expectations.
The Colts lost 24-17 to the Tennessee Titans in Week 4. They’ve played each team in the AFC South and couldn’t pick up a single win. RB Jonathan Taylor was held to 42 rushing yards on 20 carries in the Week 4 defeat and suffered an ankle injury that will keep him sidelined Thursday.
The Broncos had a relatively easy schedule to start the season and yet sit 2-2, trailing the division-leading Kansas City Chiefs. Denver has put up 16, 16, 11 and 23 points to start the season. RB Javonte Williams has been ruled out for the season after suffering an ACL injury in Week 4.
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Colts at Broncos odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Colts +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Broncos -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Colts +3.5 (-117) | Broncos -3.5 (-103)
- Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Colts at Broncos key injuries
Colts
- S Julian Blackmon (ankle) out
- LB Shaquille Leonard (concussion, nose, back) out
- RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) out
Broncos
- LB Jonathan Cooper (hamstring) out
- OL Quinn Meinerz (hamstring) out
- OL Billy Turner (knee) questionable
- RB Javonte Williams (ACL) out
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Colts at Broncos picks and predictions
Prediction
Colts 21, Broncos 17
Moneyline
This game is a toss-up.
The Colts won’t have Taylor but RB Nyheim Hines is more than capable of handling the extra workload, and we don’t know if coach Nathaniel Hackett will sabotage his own team again in Denver.
I would AVOID.
Against the spread
Both the Colts and Broncos are 1-3 ATS putting them in the bottom 3rd of the NFL. However, 3.5-points is a large number in the NFL, especially with QB Russell Wilson unable to get the Broncos’ offense moving. Expect the Colts to keep things close or even pull off the upset.
LEAN COLTS +3.5 (-117).
Over/Under
The Colts have hit the Under in each of their games this year and in 9 straight games dating back to last season.
The Broncos went Under in 3 of their first 4 games. Denver’s defense is still formidable and scoring will be a tough task for Indianapolis.
BET UNDER 42.5 (-112).
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