Denver Broncos Opponent Preview: Indianapolis Colts

As the season will get closer to its conclusion, the Denver Broncos have a quick turnaround after the Jets game to go up against the Indianapolis Colts.

The Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts have had a bit of history lately against each other. With future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning playing for both teams, the Broncos and Colts have seen quite a bit of each other.

In fact, this will be the sixth time since 2013 that these two teams have squared off. The Colts have won three of the last five meetings. Denver got the better of them in their Week 2 contest last year at Mile High. A pick six by Aqib Talib and a strip sack by Von Miller led to a Shane Ray scoop and score. Both of those defensive touchdowns were the difference in the game.

Since this is a Thursday Night Football game, the color rush jerseys will be making their comeback. The Indianapolis Colts will wear theirs for the first time. The Broncos wore theirs in a Week 6 matchup against the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers last season.

As far as the Indianapolis Colts are concerned, it will be tough to see how they do. Andrew Luck will be starting training camp on the PUP list. The word is that he will be ready by Week One. But if he does miss time in the preseason, it could make 2017 a slow start for the Colts.

Their early schedule does favor them. but it will make things interesting down the stretch. Let us take a look at what the Indianapolis Colts have done this offseason.

2017 NFL Draft:

Malik Hooker, Free Safety, Ohio State

Quincy Wilson, Cornerback, Florida

Tarell Basham, Edge Rusher, Ohio

Zach Banner, Offensive Tackle, USC

Marlon Mack, Running Back, South Florida

Grover Stewart, Defensive Tackle, Albany State

Nate Hairston, Cornerback, Temple

Anthony Walker Jr., Inside Linebacker, Northwestern

Key Arrivals: Christine Michael (placed on Injured Reserved), Robert Turbin (Re-signed), Darius Butler (Re-Signed), Jack Doyle (Re-signed)

Key Departures: Mike Adams, Robert Mathis (retired), Pat McAfee (retired)

Closing Remarks

As far as free agency is concerned, the Colts have not made a huge splash during the offseason. In fact, it appears as if their main focus was the draft and re-signing some pieces for the offense. The Indianapolis Colts are another team that I cannot predict how they will perform.

With the surging Tennessee Titans behind them in the AFC South, this could be a tough year for the Colts. While the Houston Texans can be hit or miss, they are not to be messed with on the defensive side of the ball.

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The Colts could easily see themselves in third place in the division. However, the Colts seem to always give the Denver Broncos trouble. This was especially true in the Peyton Manning days.

If the Colts are out of the playoffs by this meeting, this could be another game the Broncos must win. If they are within reach of at least a wild card spot, this will be a must win.At this point in the season, the Broncos need every road win they can get.