Mile High Maniac Staff Predictions: Week One – Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos

Oct 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) checks off at the line of scrimmage in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Every week, the staff at Mile High Maniac will give you their opinion and pick of who will win the big game. This Sunday, the Denver Broncos will be taking on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football.

Below is our four members of Mile High Maniac and their take on the game Sunday night.

Andrew Dill (Editor):
Prediction: Broncos 31, Colts 17.

Andrew’s take: I really like Andrew Luck and what he brings to the table, but I feel like this Denver defense is vastly improved and his offensive line is iffy. The additions of DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, and T.J. Ward; not to mention Von Miller and Chris Harris Jr. returning from ACL injuries. We all know about the Denver offense led by Peyton Manning and the plethora of targets he has. I feel the Denver offensive will have their way with Indy’s defense which will be without top pass-rusher Robert Mathis (suspension).

Joe Morrone (Co-Editor):
Prediction: Broncos 38, Colts 20.

Joe’s take: The Broncos have two obvious advantages in the game versus the Colts. The Colts won’t be able to pressure Manning and their offensive line won’t be able to protect Luck. Throw in home-field advantage and it adds up to an easy opening win for the Broncos.

Joe McQuiston (Staff Writer):
Prediction: Broncos 32, Colts 17.

Joe’s take: Broncos have improved across the board whereas the Colts are without their best defensive player (Robert Mathis) and their offensive line is suspect. Looking for Peyton to pick apart the Colts defense.

Colton Strickler (Staff Writer):
Prediction: Broncos 31, Colts 17.

Colton’s take: I think that the defense will show everyone that they mean business this year by shutting things down in the first game. With the returns of Von Miller, Chris Harris Jr. and Derek Wolfe along with the regular season debut of DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward on Sunday Night Football at home to open the season, I think it will be too much for the Colts to handle. I am also excited to see what Montee Ball does in his second year. The offense should be just as great as they were last year. It should be a great game and I am more than ready for some Broncos football.

Thanks to our writers who took part in the article. Don’t forget that kickoff is at 8:30 PM EST, 6:30 PM MST Sunday night on NBC. Go Broncos!