Colts vs. Broncos: 3 keys to watch

Marlon Mack struggled last week against the Texans, only rushing for 44 yards. The team as a whole only had 62 yards. They were able to compensate that with Jacoby Brissett‘s great passing display. They won’t be able to do that this week against Denver.

Denver has the third best passing defense in the league. Because of that, it will be up to the Colts rushing attack to move the ball consistently down the field. Mack and the offensive line will be a big key in this game, and might be the biggest matchup to watch.

The offensive line has done a good job this year controlling the line of scrimmage for the most part. They will really need to make sure they get a push in the middle of the line because that is where the best part of the defensive line for Denver is.

If the Colts can’t run the ball, it plays right into Denver’s hands. They can rush the passer and play lockdown defense on the outside with their solid cornerback play. Mack is still averaging 4.3 yards per carry, so he has the ability to make life rough for this defense.

Last week, they ran a lot to the left behind Quenton Nelson and Anthony Castonzo. Houston caught onto that and loaded up the box on that side of the ball. They need to mix in runs to the right as well to keep the defense off balance.

If the Colts can win all three of these matchups, there is no reason they shouldn’t walk out of Lucas Oil Stadium with a win.