Colts vs. Broncos: Early Odds, Over-Under and Spread Predictions

The 2015 NFL playoffs kicked off with several entertaining Wild Card Round matchups, but the focus has shifted to the divisional round and the intriguing battle between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos.

With Denver star quarterback Peyton Manning hosting the team with which he won the Super Bowl and the quarterback who was drafted No. 1 overall to replace him in Andrew Luck, there are a plethora of interesting storylines on top of the obvious postseason implications.

Here is all the vital viewing and betting formation fans need to successfully place a wager on this marquee AFC matchup and watch it pay off.

Matchup	Date	Time (ET)	TV
Team	Odds	Over/Under	Spread
No. 4 Indianapolis Colts vs. No. 2 Denver Broncos	Jan. 11	4:40 p.m.	CBS
Denver Broncos	1-3	54 (20-21)	-7 (1-1)
Indianapolis Colts	27-10	54 (20-21)	+7 (10-11)

*Betting information via OddsShark.com (as of Jan. 6 at 8 a.m. ET).

Quick Preview of Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Football fans couldn’t have asked to witness four more entertaining divisional Round matchups this weekend, but there is no doubt that the battle between the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos has the potential to steal the show.

Indianapolis made the postseason as the winner of the AFC South and hosted Cincinnati in the first round. Despite a strong effort from the Bengals, the Colts dominated, 26-10, and now travel to Denver to play the Broncos.

The biggest key to success for Indianapolis is quarterback Andrew Luck. Since taking over as the face of the franchise, Luck has picked up where Manning left off with the Colts and the young player has proved he deserves to be on the same stage as his predecessor.

When asked about which play was Luck’s best from the team’s win over Cincinnati, Indianapolis head coach Chuck Pagano told ESPN.com, “The one magical play was when Andrew was at his finest. He's a maestro. He's unbelievable back there.”

While the Colts’ defensive unit has been susceptible at times this season, the franchise has won six of its last seven games and will be a major hurdle for any team to clear in the playoffs. Fortunately for Denver fans, Manning is now under center for the Broncos.

NBA legend Reggie Miller is torn in this matchup, but offers a compromise:

The first thing fans think about when they talk about Denver is Manning and his ability to lead the offensive unit down the field at will. There is no denying the success of both the passing and rushing attack this year, but the Broncos deserve more credit for their defense.

With the additions of veterans DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward to an already impressive Denver unit that featured pass-rush specialist Von Miller, Denver finished the regular season ninth against the pass (allowing 225.4 yards per game) and second against the run (allowing 79.8 yards per game.)

Both teams have shown the tenacity needed to keep the score close throughout the game, but the postseason experience of Manning can’t be undersold. As great as Luck has become, Manning and the Broncos should be able to pull out the monumental win.

Predicted Final Score: Denver 33, Indianapolis 30

*Stats via NFL.com.