The Denver Broncos can’t technically make the playoffs this weekend.
But a win over the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday will all but shore up their first playoff spot since winning Super Bowl 50. The first step is for the Broncos to play their game, focus on the task at hand, and go from there.
Denver (8-5) will look to get back on track defensively and continue to make strides on offense, led by rookie quarterback Bo Nix. The Colts (6-7) come into Sunday also coming off their bye and in desperate need of a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Offensive Rankings
Indianapolis: Twenty-third in total offense (311.5 yards per game), 14th in rushing offense (118.8 YPG), 26th in passing offense (192.7 YPG), 22nd in scoring (20.5 points per game).
Denver: Twenty-first in total offense (320.2 yards per game), 20th in rushing offense (111.2 YPG), 21st in passing offense (209.0 YPG), 14th in scoring (23.5 points per game).
Defensive Rankings
Indianapolis: Twenty-ninth in total defense (379.4 yards per game), 31st in rushing defense (147.0 YPG), 26th in passing defense (232.4 YPG), 18th in scoring (22.9 points per game).
Denver: Eighth in total defense (315.7 yards per game), sixth in rushing defense (94.7 YPG), 19th in passing defense (221.0 YPG), tied for second in scoring (18.0 points per game).
Here are the MHR staff’s keys to Sunday’s game.
Limit the big plays on defense
The biggest surprise from the Broncos’ win over the Cleveland Browns was the defense's performance, especially in giving up big plays to Jameis Winston and Jerry Jeudy. Denver must get back on track defensively, and it can start by limiting big plays from Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor. Get back to the form we saw from the Broncos defense in the games prior to the Cleveland game, and Denver will be in a great position to get the win at home. — Ian St. Clair
Establish the run
I think I said this last week, but the Broncos need to have a formidable running game in order to be playoff contenders and compete in December. The Indianapolis Colts have surrendered the second most rushing yards in the NFL at 1,911 on the season. Opposing backs are averaging 4.6 yards per carry against them. This would be a great game to get Javonte Williams or Audric Estime going in the running game. Jaleel McLaughlin has looked good being utilized on zone concepts, but Williams has struggled recently, and we haven’t seen much of Estime. I want Sean Payton to do a better job calling run plays and incorporating that into the game plan this week. I was less than impressed with how little they tried in the first half against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. — Christopher Hart
Defensive dominance
After an average performance against the Browns, it’s time for the Broncos to fully leverage their strong defense, which currently leads the NFL in opponent EPA and ranks second in opponent success rate. This means maintaining tight coverage and consistently pressuring the Colts’ quarterback to disrupt their offensive rhythm. The key will be to continue generating impactful plays, such as sacks, turnovers, or even defensive touchdowns. Additionally, addressing the CB2 situation is critical to ensure it does not become a liability. — Ivan Talavera
Keep feeding Courtland Sutton
Watching Bo Nix and Sutton become a dangerous duo has been fun. In the win against the Browns, Sutton was the favorite target for the rookie quarterback on 3rd down. Continuing that connection is key to keeping the offense on the field. When 3rd and medium or longer happens, Sutton has been there to extend drives. That helps the defense stay rested by avoiding 3 and outs. And it leads to points as the field position stays in the Broncos' favor. — Adam Malnati
Win the turnover battle
The Browns game was a perfect example of how critical this is. Right now, the Broncos & Colts both have 18 turnovers forced for the year, placing both toward the bottom of the top 10 defenses in turnovers. The Broncos need Nix to be his usual steady, careful self in protecting the football, and his skill players need to have the ball on lockdown any time it's in their hands. Meanwhile, the defense needs to pressure Anthony Richardson into mistakes. While Richardson’s overall play has improved since he came off the bench, his proclivity for turnovers hasn’t: with three fumbles (one lost) and two interceptions thrown, he’s been responsible for all three of the Colts’ lost turnovers in their last three games. He’s also fumbled 9 times so far in 9 games played (3 games with 0 fumbles, 3 with 1, and 3 with 2), losing three of them. That represents a big opportunity for Denver’s front seven to make a big play that can give the Broncos control of the game. — Taylor Kothe
What are your keys to Sunday’s game?