The Denver Gazette sports staff predicts Sunday’s game between the Broncos and Colts in Indianapolis.

Paul Klee’s pick: Broncos 16, Colts 15

The early red flag for the Broncos isn’t Bo Nix’s pedestrian offense. It’s that the marquee players with injuries players — such as Evan Engram and Dre Greenlaw — are injured again. Without the offseason upgrades, it’s the same team as 2024.

Overall: 1-0

Chris Schmaedeke’s pick: Broncos 23, Colts 15

The Broncos’ offense will still be searching, but it will get enough to beat the Colts. Indy QB Daniel Jones is going to be in for a rude awakening with the Broncos’ defense. Denver gets five sacks and two interceptions in the win.

Overall record: 1-0

Chris Tomasson’s pick: Broncos 23, Colts 20

The Broncos have lost seven of their past eight games at Indianapolis, but Sean Payton has good memories of facing the Colts. When he coached the Saints, they beat the Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV in February 2010. NFL rules no longer allow for Payton to start the second half with a surprise onside kick, but he should have enough tricks up his sleeve to move Denver to 2-0.
Overall record: 1-0

Mark Kiszla’s pick: Colts 20, Broncos 17

While the Broncos have been touted as dark horse contenders for the Super Bowl, those feisty little Colts demonstrated last season in Denver that these two teams are remarkably evenly matched unless the Broncos capitalize on two turnovers worth 14 points.

Overall record: 1-0

Kyle Fredrickson’s pick: Broncos 24, Colts 17

Quarterback Bo Nix bounces back in a major way with Indianapolis missing two starting cornerbacks. But it won’t be an easy win over the Colts. The Broncos will need a defensive touchdown to pull away in a rowdy road environment. Expect cornerback Pat Surtain or outside linebacker Nik Bonitto to play the hero on Sunday.

Overall record: 1-0