Denver Broncos (8-9 Last season) vs. Indianapolis Colts (9-8 Last season)
The NFL preseason ignites with a promising clash as the Denver Broncos visit the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Kicking off at 1:00 PM ET, this game not only marks the commencement of both teams’ preseason campaigns but also sets the stage for intriguing NFL betting picks. Last season, both teams hovered near the .500 mark, indicating a potentially tightly contested matchup in the opening week of the preseason.
Boasting high-caliber talents in its offensive arsenal, the Broncos finished below .500 record last season. Javonte Williams, a dynamic running back, rushed for 774 yards at an average of 3.6 and had three touchdowns as well. His ability to pierce through defenses will be key in their quest for a better start this term. On the receiving end, Courtland Sutton emerged as a key figure, securing 59 catches for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns. Again it will be very important that Sutton makes big plays against the Colts’ defense.
On their part, Jonathan Taylor anchored the Colts offense with 741 rushing yards over ten games with seven touchdowns. Taylor is a primary threat because of his explosive runs and ability to stay with the ball in the field. Michael Pittman Jr., meanwhile, proved to be a top receiver by gaining 1,152 yards on 109 receptions and scoring four times as well. The Colts have to rely on both Taylor and Pittman so as to take advantage of the weak points in Denver’s defense.
Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts Game Info
| When: | Sunday, August 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Lucas Oil Stadium |
| TV: | NFLN |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
Jarrett Stidham QB vs. Anthony Richardson QB
Jarrett Stidham played reasonably well for the Broncos last season but he was somehow limited with a passer rating of 87.7 in three games. His performance included 496 passing yards, two touchdowns and one interception, which made it safe but reliable. It is questionable whether his ability to complete passes under pressure and keep his cool will be able to pass the test by enduring the Colts’ defensive line.
Conversely, Anthony Richardson has a new freshness that he adds to the Colts’ side. The player had a low involvement with only featuring in four matches throughout last season where he completed 59.5% of passes for 577 yards and three touchdown passes. Consequently, possessing agility as well as arm strength offers dual-threat capability into the Colts offense which is likely to come out at an advantage when exploiting Denver defense’s structure.
NFL Odds/Point Spread: Denver Broncos -135, Total Odds: 37
The Broncos are slight favorites with a -2 point spread and a moneyline of -135, reflecting the oddsmakers’ expectations of a closely matched game with a slight edge to Denver. The total set at 37 points suggests a moderately scoring affair, aligning with both teams’ potential offensive outputs.
Denver Broncos Betting Trends
Denver has struggled against the spread (ATS), going 2-4 in their last six games and a more concerning 3-9 both ATS and straight up (SU) in their last 12 encounters with the Colts. These trends highlight a historical difficulty in covering spreads, especially in matchups against Indianapolis, which could influence betting strategies.
Indianapolis Colts Betting Trends
The Colts’ recent performance tells a similar tale of inconsistency, with a 1-4 record ATS in their last five games. However, their scoring tends to spike in home settings, with the total going over in 11 of their last 16 games against Denver. This pattern suggests potential for a high-scoring game, especially with key offensive players in good form.
Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts 8/11/24 Betting Picks
As we approach this intriguing preseason matchup, both teams show promising elements that could sway the game either way. The Broncos, with their slightly favored odds, need to capitalize on their offensive strengths and address their recent ATS challenges. Meanwhile, the Colts’ ability to score at home should not be underestimated.
Given the trends and individual player capabilities, a slight edge seems to favor the Colts at home, especially with the potential of Richardson and Pittman combining effectively. The total going over seems a plausible bet considering both teams’ offensive arsenals and preseason dynamics.
As you finalize your bets, consider the dynamics discussed and explore prop bets that could yield value, especially in player performance markets. For those looking for competitive odds and comprehensive market options, turning to the best bookie software might enhance your betting experience for this NFL preseason opener.
