Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts Picks and Predictions December 15th 2024

Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts December 15th 2024

The Colts and Broncos will face off on Sunday, December 15th at 4:25 ET on CBS. The Broncos are favored at -203 on the money line, with the Colts at +170. The point spread is -4 in favor of the Broncos, and the over/under line is set at 44 points for this week 15 AFC matchup. The game is being played at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO.

Indianapolis vs. Denver Key Information

Heading into week 15, the Colts sit 8th in the AFC with a 6-7 record. They have a 25.7% chance of making the playoffs and a 5.9% chance of winning the division. Our power rankings have them 24th. Indy is 8-5 against the spread this season, but they have failed to cover in two straight games. Their O/U record is 6-7, with their games averaging 43.5 points (O/U line: 44.5).

In week 13, the Colts narrowly defeated the Patriots 25-24, snapping a two-game losing streak. They were favored by 2.5 points but didn’t cover. The O/U line was 41 points, and the teams combined for 49. Before that, Indy lost to the Lions in week 12 and beat the Jets in week 11.

Heading into week 15, the Colts rank 25th in our offensive power rankings, averaging 20.5 points per game (20th in the NFL) and 311.5 yards per game (23rd). They are 25th in passing yards, with 192.7 per game, and 17th in rushing attempts, averaging 118.8 yards on the ground. On 3rd down, they rank 21st with a conversion rate of 36.6% and sit 13th in red zone conversions.

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Anthony Richardson threw for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns in week 13, despite 2 interceptions, while Jonathan Taylor rushed for 96 yards on 25 carries. Michael Pittman Jr. led the team with 42 receiving yards. In week 12, Richardson had a passer rating of 60, with 172 passing yards, and in week 11, he threw for 272 yards against the Jets.

In their 25-24 win over the Patriots, the Colts’ defense allowed 200 rushing yards on just 31 attempts, including a big 6.5 yards per attempt. Despite this, they still managed to come out on top. The Colts’ defense did well against the pass, allowing just 222 yards through the air, and they also recorded four sacks and one interception. New England finished with 422 total yards, but Indianapolis made key plays when needed, holding the Patriots to a 54.5% third-down conversion rate.

• The Colts have posted a 2-1 record in their previous three games. Against the spread, they have gone 1-2 and logged an over-under record of 2-1 in these games.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Colts have gone 5-5 straight up. Their record vs the spread sits at 6-4 in these matchups, while posting a 5-5 over-under mark.

Denver heads into week 15 against the Colts on a three-game winning streak, bringing their record to 8-5. After a narrow loss to the Chiefs in week 10, the Broncos bounced back with wins over the Falcons (38-6), Raiders (29-19), and Browns (41-32). They were favored in all three games and covered the spread each time, including a 6.5-point line against Cleveland. The 73 combined points in that game easily hit the over, which has now hit in two straight Broncos games.

Our projections give Denver a 73.6% chance of making the playoffs, though they have no shot at winning the AFC West. They rank 22nd in our power rankings going into week 15. The Broncos are 10-3 against the spread this season, with a +5.5 scoring margin. They are 6-0 ATS as favorites and 4-3 as underdogs.

Bo Nix has been solid for the Broncos, throwing for 294 yards in week 13, despite 2 interceptions, after posting 273 yards in week 12 and 307 yards in week 11. In week 13, he connected with Marvin Mims Jr., who had 3 catches for 105 yards, while Jaleel McLaughlin led the ground game with 84 yards on 14 carries.

Denver ranks 22nd in our offensive power rankings, sitting 12th in points per game (23.5) and 21st in yards per game (320.2). They are 16th in 3rd-down conversions and 19th in red zone efficiency, despite ranking 9th in red zone attempts.

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Despite giving up 552 yards, the Broncos’ defense came up with three interceptions in their 41-32 win over the Browns. Cleveland had some success through the air, completing 34 passes for 475 yards and four touchdowns. Denver’s defense made life tough on the Browns’ rushing attack, allowing just 77 yards on 23 attempts.

Denver’s defense forced three interceptions and limited the Browns to a 58.6% completion percentage. They also had three sacks and eight more quarterback hits than Cleveland. However, the Broncos did struggle on third downs, allowing the Browns to convert 47.4% of their third-down attempts.

For this week 15 matchup between the Colts and Broncos, we have the Broncos pulling off the upset and winning by a score of 28-20. This is a great spot to take the Broncos to cover the spread, as they are currently sitting at -4 point favorites at home.

As for the over/under line, with the line sitting at 44 points, we are leaning towards taking the over with a projected score of 48 points, making the over a solid bet in this matchup.

Bo Nix and Broncos Look to Extend Streak Against Colts in Critical AFC Clash

The Denver Broncos (8-5) are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to host the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) on Sunday afternoon. With a playoff spot within reach, the Broncos aim to solidify their position in the AFC race, while the Colts face a must-win scenario to keep their postseason hopes alive.

Broncos Eye First Winning Season Since 2016

Denver has surged in recent weeks, winning three straight games and eight of their last 11. Currently holding the No. 7 seed in the AFC playoff picture, the Broncos are two games ahead of both the Miami Dolphins and the Colts. However, head coach Sean Payton has emphasized that the team is aiming higher than just securing a winning record.

“I don’t know one person (in the building) that’s thinking about just having a winning season,” Payton said. “I think our aspirations are a little higher right now.”

A late-season bye week provided the Broncos a chance to recharge for their final four-game stretch. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II, one of the team’s defensive leaders, noted the benefits of the break.

“It refreshed our minds and got us off our feet,” Surtain said. “It was a good time to refocus and reset.”

The Broncos’ injury report reflects their improved health, with only cornerback Riley Moss (knee) sitting out practice on Wednesday.

Colts Facing Playoff Pressure

The Colts enter Sunday two games behind the Houston Texans in the AFC South and without the division tiebreaker. They need a win against Denver to remain in the wild-card hunt, as a loss would make their playoff chances exceedingly slim.

“We all know how big this game is,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said. “The biggest thing is we have to handle our business and prepare the right way.”

The Colts are also coming off a bye week, giving them time to heal and regroup. Center Ryan Kelly and linebacker Jaylon Carlies resumed practice this week, though Kelly was limited on Wednesday. Wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder), the team’s leading receiver with 53 catches, was also limited and is questionable for Sunday.

Rookie Quarterback Duel: Nix vs. Richardson

Sunday’s matchup will spotlight two promising rookie quarterbacks in Denver’s Bo Nix and Indianapolis’ Anthony Richardson.

Nix has been steady for Denver, throwing for 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions this season. His top target, Courtland Sutton, has been a key part of the Broncos’ success, with 63 receptions for 846 yards and five touchdowns. Nix will face a Colts defense that ranks 23rd in the NFL on third-down stops, providing an opportunity to sustain drives.

Richardson, meanwhile, has rebounded from an early November benching with back-to-back standout performances. Over his last two games, he has accounted for six total touchdowns (three passing, three rushing) and demonstrated improved pocket presence.

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“I’ve seen great growth in a lot of phases,” Steichen said. “He’s delivering the ball where it needs to go and making plays with his legs, which is great.”

However, Richardson will be tested by Denver’s aggressive defense, which blitzes on 42.1 percent of plays—the third-highest rate in the league. Linebacker Nik Bonitto, tied for second in the NFL with 11 sacks, and Surtain, who boasts the league’s highest coverage grade (90.8 per Pro Football Focus), will be key in disrupting Richardson’s rhythm.

Key Matchups

• Denver’s Blitz vs. Richardson’s Mobility: The Broncos’ blitz-heavy scheme will challenge Richardson’s decision-making and ability to extend plays under pressure.
• Courtland Sutton vs. Colts Secondary: Nix and Sutton’s connection could exploit a Colts defense that has struggled to consistently get stops on third down.
• Colts’ Ground Game vs. Broncos’ Front Seven: A strong running game could help Indianapolis control the clock and limit Denver’s offensive opportunities.

What to Watch

• Playoff Stakes: With both teams fighting for postseason positioning, the intensity will be high in this critical AFC matchup.
• Broncos’ Defense: Denver’s ability to pressure Richardson and force turnovers could be the difference-maker.
• Colts’ Resilience: Can Indianapolis generate enough energy and efficiency on both sides of the ball to overcome the Broncos’ recent dominance?

Outlook

The Broncos are favorites at home, buoyed by their recent success and a healthier roster. However, the Colts’ urgency to stay alive in the playoff race makes them a dangerous opponent. Sunday’s game promises a battle of wills between two teams with much to gain—and even more to lose—as the regular season nears its conclusion.