As Indianapolis (6-7) travels to Denver (8-5) this weekend, winning is the only option if the Colts want to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Broncos, however, pose a tough challenge and have won 3 games in a row. While Indianapolis will need a full team effort, a few head-to-head matchups could be the deciding factors. These Colts will need to win their individual battles if the team wants to leave with a victory.
Matt Goncalves vs. Nik Bonitto
Denver’s blitz-happy pass rush — led by outside linebacker Nik Bonitto — has produced a league-leading 47 sacks this season. Bonitto is tied with Myles Garrett for the second-most sacks in the league (11) and will now face the Indianapolis offensive line. While Bernhard Raimann continues to perform well at left tackle, Matt Goncalves has struggled on the right side. Goncalves, filling in again for the injured Braden Smith, will probably be targetted by Bonitto and the Broncos, making this a perfect time for the rookie to have a career game.
Alec Pierce vs. Denver’s No. 2 cornerback
The Colts have had a lot of success this season when Anthony Richardson hurls the ball down the field to Alec Pierce (5 40+ yard catches). That deep-ball connection could expose Denver’s vulnerable secondary on Sunday. Pat Surtain II routinely locks down his half of the field, but there’s a huge question mark at the other CB position. The usual starter Riley Moss will likely miss his second-straight game due to injury, forcing the Broncos to start either Levi Wallace — who was torched by Jerry Jeudy and the Browns in Week 13 — or another unproven replacement. If Pierce can take advantage of Moss’s absence, it could be a long day for the Denver defense.
Jaylon Jones vs. Courtland Sutton
Courtland Sutton is the Broncos’ No. 1 wideout and best offensive weapon by a considerable margin. After quickly building rapport with rookie quarterback Bo Nix, Sutton has more than double as many targets, receiving yards, and touchdown catches as any other Denver player. Sutton often lines up on Nix’s left which means he’ll be facing the Colts’ Jaylon Jones. Jones’ numbers have been solid this season (77 tackles, 11 passes defended, and 2 interceptions), but he’s had issues with top receivers. A strong performance from Jones would go a long way towards slowing down Sutton and Nix.
Zaire Franklin vs. Jaleel McLaughlin
With Javonte Williams in the middle of a down year, Jaleel McLaughlin has emerged as Denver’s lead running back over the last couple of games. McLaughlin is averaging 4.6 yards per carry by using quick bursts of speed to break into the second level. As the Colts’ defensive leader and the NFL’s top tackler, Zaire Franklin will be responsible for keeping McLaughlin in check. The Broncos will try to feature McLaughlin (and Williams) heavily, knowing that Indianapolis owns the second-worst rush defense in the league. It's up to Franklin to change the narrative and prove that the Colts can stop the run.