OFFENSE

ADVANTAGE

Tie

Both the Broncos and Colts have struggled offensively. The Colts rank 19th in total offense and the Broncos rank 21st. They’re both near the bottom in scoring, with the Broncos at 30th at 16.5 points per game and the Colts at 32nd at 14.3. The Broncos did lose Javonte Williams for the season and Colts’ Jonathan Taylor is out with an ankle injury. This prime-time game could be an offensive slugfest.

DEFENSE

ADVANTAGE

Tie

This is the strength of both teams, as the Broncos rank fourth in total defense and the Colts rank sixth. But both will be without key players Thursday night — outside linebacker Randy Gregory for Denver and inside linebacker Shaquille Leonard for Indianapolis. Still, both defenses are expected to be stout against these two struggling offenses.

SPECIAL TEAMS

ADVANTAGE

Broncos

Broncos rookie kick and punt returner Montrell Washington is coming off his best game of the season, returning three punts for 66 yards. And he may have more opportunities this week, as the Colts allowed four kickoff returns for 105 yards last week against the Titans. The Colts have struggled on special teams this year, while the Broncos have improved week-to-week.

COACHING

ADVANTAGE

Colts

Neither coach has had the start to the season they had hoped for. Colts coach Frank Reich is already on the hot seat four games into his fifth season. And Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett has received an abundance of criticism for game management and offensive playcalling in his first season. Both are desperate for a win Thursday night, but Reich gets the nod here just due to his experience.

INTANGIBLES

ADVANTAGE

Broncos

The Broncos are coming off an emotional loss in Las Vegas that included not only their first loss in the AFC West, but also the loss of Williams and Gregory to injury. Coming back home in prime time, the Broncos are approaching this as a must-win game. And the short week works in their favor, not having to travel and allowing them to get back on track after the Raiders game.

STOIAS PICK

WINNER Broncos

George Stoia is 1-3 picking Broncos games this year, and 2-2 against the spread.