Denver Broncos

Indianapolis Colts v. Denver Broncos: Week Two Game Preview

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

No In-Editor Preview for 120 Sports Videos

Video DetailsID: Source: 120 Sports

 A mini-rivalry of sorts will be renewed on Sunday when the Colts take on the defending champion Broncos.

It’s fight-or-flight time in the NFL, as those that have started the season with an 0-1 record will attempt to right the ship in Week Two.

One of the many teams is the Indianapolis Colts (0-1), who are looking to upend the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.

It’s been the Colts that’ve had the Broncos’ number as of late, claiming the previous two meetings between the AFC contenders.

While Indianapolis seems to be trending towards a losing season, they can still get back into the thick of things with a statement win in Denver.

In any case, let’s break down who’ll take home this Mile High City showdown.

No In-Editor Preview for SI Videos

Video DetailsID: Source: SI

Why Indianapolis Will Win

If the Colts want return to .500, then they’ll have to win the time of possession battle.

indianapolis colts

Horseshoe Heroes 1 dColts Injury Report: T.Y. Hilton Returns to Practice, But Defensive Backs Still Decimated

More headlines around FanSided:

1 d - Andrew Luck Named 16th Most Influential Person in NFL By The MMQB2d - NFL Week 2: Best Games to Watch2d - NFL: 2016 MVP Power Rankings2d - NFL Predictions: Week 2 Picks and Hot Takes From Across the League2d - Colts Injury Update: T.Y. Hilton Sits Out Thursday's Practice With a Knee InjuryMore News at Horseshoe Heroes

Doing so requires a balanced offensive attack, something they’ve excelled in implementing when beating the Broncos.

Of course, quarterback Andrew Luck will need to make more than a few plays, but he’s not lone-wolfing it on offense.

Although he may be getting up there in age, Frank Gore’s physical running style can wear down Denver’s overly-aggressive defense. T.Y. Hilton’s notoriously given the Broncos’ secondary all sorts of fits, with Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett yearning to join the club.

Indianapolis has little to write home about on defense. The Detroit Lions hung up 39 points on the porous unit last Sunday and gashed them for nearly 450 total yards.

Simply put, clock control is the name of the game for the Colts.

Why Denver Will Win

Considering their opponent’s caliber of defense, limiting turnovers is mainly what Denver should be concerned with offensively.

denver broncos

Predominantly Orange 2dCJ Anderson Bowls Way To Good Start

More headlines around FanSided:

2d - NFL Week 2: Best Games to Watch2d - NFL Predictions: Week 2 Picks and Hot Takes From Across the League2d - Should the Broncos Rest Demaryius Thomas Sunday?3d - Predominantly Orange Staff Pick 'Em: Week Two3d - 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Trades Reshape The AFCMore News at Predominantly Orange

It’s the 11 men on the other side of the ball that’ll really be challenged on Sunday.

No quarterback in the NFL has troubled the Broncos more in recent years than Luck. Even in last season’s matchup, he essentially dismantled Denver’s top-ranked defense and handed the team their very first loss.

Luck can’t be allowed to extend drives with his legs, or else the Broncos will quickly find themselves playing catch-up.

When No. 12 escapes the pocket, not only do his receivers become open downfield, but he’s athletic enough to take it himself for extra yardage.

This time around, the champs must do a better job of keeping Luck centralized when applying pressure.

No In-Editor Preview for SI Videos

Video DetailsID: Source: SI

Prediction

More from NFL Mocks

Had this contest taken place in Lucas Oil Stadium, a third consecutive win might’ve been the outcome.

But the Luck-reliant Colts are on the road, meaning it’s a virtual certainty that the Broncos will snap their two-game losing streak in the series.

Indianapolis’ star under center just won’t be enough to rescue what surmises to be a truly mediocre roster.

At 0-2, staring up at the rest of the AFC South, it could be time to hit the panic button in Indy.

Final Score: Broncos 31, Colts 17

This article originally appeared on

share

Get more from Denver Broncos Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Denver Broncos

Indianapolis Colts

National Football League