Denver Broncos Will Pull Off The Miracle Against Peyton Manning and the Colts

The Denver Broncos had little trouble in their Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.  They were in complete control for the vast majority of the contest.  They forced turnovers and faced little opposition when they had the ball.  It was a good home-opening win for the 2010 campaign.

Denver's Week 3 opponent will be a much more significant challenge.

To have any chance in this game, Denver should follow a gameplan similar to the one the Houston Texans used to beat the Colts in Week 1.  They have to be able to run the ball and control the clock.  Keeping Manning off the field will be key. 

Both Knowshon Moreno and Correll Buckhalter have been unimpressive through two games.  However, Indianapolis is dead last against the run through two weeks.  So maybe this is the week Moreno, Buckhalter, or even Laurence Maroney breaks out.

On top of that, Denver runs an offense in which a lot of short passes are completed that serve a purpose similar to what other teams get out of their running game.

If Denver can wear down the Colts defenders with power running and the underneath routes in the passing game, they may be able to beat them over the top with Demaryius Thomas or Eddie Royal later in the game.

Where Denver needs a miracle is on defense.

The Colts currently hold the same record as the Broncos but almost every expert and fan is picking them to roll Denver.  Peyton Manning has looked sharp through two games and Indianapolis proved they can run the ball against the Giants.

The Colts also possess one of the strongest receiving corps in the NFL.  Everyone already knows about Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, but Austin Collie has rapidly developed into one of Manning's favorite targets.  He has 15 receptions for 188 yards through two games.

So, how does Denver slow down the top passing game in the league?  It will be nearly impossible with Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman ailing.  Neither one has been completely ruled out for Sunday but if they do play they will certainly not be at full speed.

The front seven of the Broncos defense is going to have to be stellar to make up for the depleted secondary.  If they can get to Peyton Manning and stuff the Colts running backs they'll give their team an outside shot to win.

If Denver wants to pull off this huge upset they'll have to play a near perfect game and everyone will have to compete whenever they're on the field.

Final Prediction: 34-31, Denver wins

Go ahead, call me crazy.  I see Kyle Orton having another solid game and I also expect Royal and Thomas to break off some big plays.  Moreno will be his usual, mediocre self but the short passing game will make up for that.

I also anticipate McDaniels going back to Tim Tebow and the "wild horse" formation once or twice in this game just to keep the Colts on their toes.  Oh come on, you're not sick of reading that name yet, are you? 

Denver will get burned on defense a lot, but will be just good enough to keep the Broncos in the game and give the offense a chance at the end of the fourth.

Special teams will also be big in this game.  Denver has not done a good job of covering punts and kickoffs so far and the last thing they want to give Peyton Manning is a short field.  They have to do a better job in that department and they will.

A Week 3 win against a team of Indianapolis's caliber will put the rest of the AFC West on notice that the Broncos are still around.  Kansas City and Oakland both look to be improved this year, but it will once again come down to the Broncos and the Chargers.