NFL Denver BroncosIndianapolis Colts

Predicting the Final Score of Colts vs. Broncos in Divisional Round

Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck

Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts stifled the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card game, but get rewarded for their success by traveling to Denver to face arguably the greatest quarterback of all time and a player who led the Colts to a Super Bowl win, Peyton Manning, in the Divisional Round.

The Denver Broncos got a much-needed week of rest between the last week of the regular season and their opening NFL Playoff game, and should be favored against the Colts. Denver defeated Indianapolis already this season in the opening game of the football season; expect this team to come into this game full of confidence.

However, the Broncos’ defense, although ranked ninth overall in number of passing yards allowed per game, has struggled this season against passing teams like New England and Cincinnati. Manning and this offense have led Denver to four wins this season by a touchdown or less.

If Indianapolis is to pull off the upset and make it to the AFC Championship game, Andrew Luck will have to have a monster performance. Against the Bengals, the Colts’ offensive line looked the most impressive it has all season. When given time, Luck can pick apart most defenses in the NFL, and Indianapolis must force Denver to play from behind early in this game.

Unfortunately, Manning is playing with too much of a chip on his shoulder. Expect this to be a pass-heavy game, but CJ Anderson to be the real difference maker. The Broncos’ running back has looked dominant since taking the starting job from Ronnie Hillman. The AFC will belong to the Colts next season, but this match-up belongs to Manning and the Broncos.

Prediction: Denver 34, Indianapolis 28

Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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