NFL WEEK 5
GREG COTE’S THURSDAY PICK
COLTS (1-2-1) at BRONCOS (2-2)
Line: DEN by 3 1/2.
Cote’s pick: DEN, 23-17.
TV: 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Prime Video.
The Horse Bowl to kick off NFL Week 5 is not a happy rodeo. Veteran QB Matt Ryan rode in to rescue the Colts and has not. Big bucks swept in Russell Wilson as the Broncos’ savior and he too has struggled with his new offense. (Wilson also is playing through a sore throwing shoulder). Now both have support issues. Indy RB Jonathan Taylor, who already has struggled behind a reworked O-line, is out with an ankle injury. Denver’s Javonte Williams was lost for the season to a knee, and backup Melvin Gordon is a fumble machine. A couple of trends smile upon the visitor: Indy has won nine of past 12 trips to Mile High, while Denver is on a 2-9 skid in prime time. Nevertheless I lean Broncos in a duel of two struggling but accomplished veteran QBs both looking for the “on” switch. Denver is 2-0 at home and trusts its defense a little more than Indy does, especially with Colts missing their best defender, LB Shaquille Leonard, to a concussion.
[Note: Betting line courtesy Caesars Sportsbook as of Wednesday afternoon.]
