Game Scout: Broncos-Colts
Denver Broncos (6-0) at Indianapolis Colts (4-2)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis - TV: NBC
*TV announcers: Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya
*Keys to the game: Peyton Manning in the House that Peyton Built against Andrew Luck and the Colts wasn't likely a scenario owner Jim Irsay considered when Manning was released in 2012. But Manning returns with a potent offense that could rival the most talented teams he piloted in Indianapolis. When the pomp and circumstance subsides, the Colts are more concerned with getting their defense off the field. The Seahawks scored 28 points two weeks ago and only San Diego's ineptitude in the red zone spared Indianapolis a more lopsided loss Monday night. RB Knowshon Moreno (4.7 yards per carry, seven TDs) can dig his teeth into a Colts run defense gashed for 132 yards per game this season. Manning's emotions might play a part, but the Broncos are sure to come out swinging to protect the NFL's 32nd-ranked (last) pass defense. LB Von Miller returns to inject some gusto into the pass rush for Denver, which must monitor Luck's ability to step up in the pocket - and scramble on occasion. Coordinator Pep Hamilton grew conservative at San Diego, but it'll take bare knuckles to reach the final rounds against the Broncos. Taking shots to T.Y. Hilton was the norm against press coverage; Indianapolis will adjust to account for Miller's explosiveness.
*Matchup to watch - Manning vs. Colts coach Chuck Pagano: Coaches like Bill Belichick, Rex Ryan and Pagano -- the game-plan coach who plots something different based on the opponent -- traditionally have been most successful against Manning. To protect his own weak spots -- CB Greg Toler, for example -- Pagano will devise unique looks. Can Manning remain a step ahead?
*Player spotlight - Broncos RT Winston Justice: Orlando Franklin has knee and ankle sprains and Justice, who was inactive last week, or RG Louis Vasquez would be next in line for the Broncos if Franklin is out. Justice, another former Colt, would draw outside linebacker Robert Mathis (9.5 sacks).
*Fast facts: The Broncos have 34 touchdowns, 18 punts this season. The Colts have a 16-21 ratio. ... Manning is one of two NFL quarterbacks to post a career record at least 90 games over .500.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Andrew Luck is earning the Captain Comeback moniker Jim Harbaugh once proudly wore for the Colts, but Manning is playing on a level all his own this season with a burning focus to prove his value -- and a point -- to his former employer.
*Our pick: Broncos 30-24
