Thomas suffered a hip injury in last week’s win over the Panthers, and it sounds like he could end up benefiting from the extra rest the Broncos got from playing that game last Thursday. The franchises have faced off three times in the postseason, with Indianapolis winning each. But the Colts lost, 39-35, at home no less. Siemian does not need to do much alongside their loaded defense and strong rushing attack, but he can not make major mistakes. Denver is 37-11 over the past three years. It’s possible, but with so many Colts injuries, that might be a long shot. Indianapolis has to win the turnover battle.
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Will Andrew Luck lose his luck against the Denver Broncos during Sunday’s game in Denver? It’s of the utmost importance that the Broncos finish, and finish on offense where Luck and his speedy receivers won’t have a chance to do anything too insane late in the contest.
To make a long story short, the Colts are looking for warm bodies in the secondary. Denver’s “D” takes it personal when the opposing quarterback is a high-profile talent like Andrew Luck. He has been sacked six times in those games. As the Broncos did in their Super Bowl win over Carolina, the pass rush repeatedly got to Cam Newton in a season-opening win over the Panthers, hitting, hurrying or knocking Newton down over the course of the game.
The key to staying ahead of Luck’s mind, Winn said, is to read him in return, finding clues on what the Colts are trying to do based on the personnel group they have in the game.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: TE Jack Doyle. Luck threw for 385 yards in last Sunday’s loss to the Detroit Lions, with 47 pass attempts, and while three of his four touchdown passes went to tight ends, it’s the Colts speed on the outside, with wide receivers T.Y. The Colts trailed 21-3 late in the second quarter, a scenario in which we have come to expect Luck to start pressing and making questionable decisions. But with Coby Fleener now in New Orleans, the Indianapolis offensive coaching staff has chose to use Doyle more as a down the field receiver this year. Anderson needs close to 100 yards on the ground, and Devontae Booker will have to perform better than he did in his debut. A high scoring game that came down to first half struggles, overall defensive problems, and injuries. Questionable: CB Darius Butler (ankle), CB Antonio Cromartie (hamstring), S Clayton Geathers (foot), DT Zach Kerr (foot), DE Kendall Langford (knee), LB Robert Mathis (foot).
This, also, could play into the Colts’ favor: the Broncos are simply a better match-up. But there’s too much to like about this Colts matchup to ignore the versatile veteran in Week 2. Indianapolis has outscored its opponents by an average score of 25-20 in those games.
In 2015, the Colts allowed the eighth most fantasy points to receivers.
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While Demaryius Thomas’ shaky status is troublesome for the Denver Broncos and could bring an element the franchise hasn’t dealt with since becoming a dominant operation, Emmanuel Sanders’ fantasy outlook brightens. He’s the only player with 5,500 yards and 40 touchdowns TDs in that time. Siemian doesn’t have to be Andrew Luck or Tom Brady or Ben Roethlisberger on Sunday, and that’s a massive advantage for a young quarterback.
