NFL Opening Week: Predicting All 16 Games As Pro Football Returns

Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos 8:30 PM NBC

Aug 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before the game against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The match-up: Year number three for Andrew Luck [3,822 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2013] starts off with a tough test. Luck advanced the Colts past the first round last season before losing to New England in the AFC Divisional Playoffs, however sees the return of Reggie Wayne [13,566 career yards and 80 touchdowns] and the signing of Hakeem Nicks [4,622 career yards in five seasons] to make his transition easier. Add those two along with T.Y. Hilton [1,083 yards and five touchdowns in 2013] and Luck is going to have a fun 2014 season. The Broncos are coming off a Super Bowl rout in which they ended up on the losing end. The signing of Emmanuel Sanders [2,030 career yards] will prove important as Wes Welker [9,358 career yards] serves a four game suspension and recovers from a concussion.

Why Indianapolis will win: With the talent on the field, I believe that Andrew Luck will have his most complete season to date. Everything is there for him and Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson will combine to solidify the ground game.

Why Denver will win: Denver added DeMarcus Ware [577 tackles and 117 career sacks] and Aqib Talib to an already respected defense. I find that Denver’s defense is stronger and more consistent than that of Indianapolis.

Final score: Broncos 38 Colts 35