For the Indianapolis Colts, as DeForest Buckner said earlier in the week, the playoffs are essentially here with this week’s game against Denver basically being a must-win if the team is going to keep their playoff hopes alive.
A win and Pro Football Focus has the Colts’ playoff chances jumping to 68 percent. But a loss and those odds will sit at only 10 percent with three games to go.
To help us preview this crucial Week 15 matchup, Brandon Walker of Broncos Wire answered five of our questions to help provide us with some insights into this 8-5 Denver team.
What can you tell us about Bo Nix in his first season and helping Denver get to 8-5?
Walker: Nix has provided steady, prolonged quality quarterback play for the first time (I’d argue) since the Manning era in Denver. He is a confident leader, who has rallied the support of his veteran teammates. When he makes mistakes, he bounces back from them. That kind of performance under center has been lacking in Denver for so long, and Nix has shown that he is steering the ship.
What has been a strength of this Broncos team?
Walker: The Broncos have hung their hat on the defense this year. If you told me at the beginning of the year that we’d release former safety Justin Simmons and get better, I would have told you that you were off your rocker. The defense, led by cornerback Pat Surtain has been near the top of the NFL is several categories for much of the year. Vance Joseph’s unit has been the backbone of this season.
On the flip side, where have opponents found success against them?
Walker: In recent weeks, opponents have found success throwing the ball away from Surtain. Before the bye, Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston shredded the Broncos defense by throwing at veteran corner Levi Wallace. Wallace was eventually replaced by rookie Kris Abrams-Draine, who plugged the hole, but offenses have repeatedly thrown away from the Broncos’ Defensive Player of the Year candidate and made life difficult.
Who is an under the radar player on offense and one on defense for Colts’ fans to know?
Walker: One offensive player defenses should take note of is utility man Marvin Mims. The second-year Bronco is becoming more of a weapon over recent weeks. Head Coach Sean Payton has used Mims as a wide receiver, running back, slot receiver and kick returner. He’s dangerous because of his speed, showcased by his 93-yard grab against the Browns.
One defensive player I think is having a Pro Bowl caliber year is defensive lineman Zach Allen. He is stout against the run, puts pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and is another leader on that Broncos defense. Since he signed with Denver as a free agent in 2023, Allen has been a huge addition to the team.
Who wins and why?
Walker: This is a playoff game for both teams. For the Colts, it’s a win-and-stay in. For the Broncos, a win puts them that much closer to their first playoff berth since 2015. I think the Broncos take this one at home, 24-18.
