Thursday Night Football is as Matt Ryan and the Indianapolis Colts face off against Russell Wilson and the new look Denver Broncos. Injuries have already begun to impact this game as both the Colts’ Jonathan Taylor and the Broncos’ Javonte Williams will miss tonight’s game (along with several impact defenders).
Without the two lead backs in tonight’s game, there could be some surprise names finding the ball for both squads. It could also be a bit of a lower scoring affair as both teams boast top-10 pass defenses (in terms of yards). How could you spice up the evening? By joining the action with three must-play props!
Colts (1-2) vs Broncos (3-0) game info
When: Thursday, October 6th 2022
Kickoff: 8:15 PM ET
Where: Denver, CO | Empower Field at Mile High
How to watch: Prime Video, NFL+
Must-play props for Colts vs. Broncos
Week 5 opens with an AFC matchup between two franchises who both saw a major change under center this past offseason. For the Colts, after their disappointing failure to reach the playoffs — “disappointing” really doesn’t do it justice — Indianapolis opted to move on from quarterback Carson Wentz in favor of then-Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan.
So far, it hasn’t been the smoothest of transitions, though, over the past two weeks, it appears Ryan is finally finding his fit.
The Denver Broncos, meanwhile, have moved on from both Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock as they agreed to a blockbuster deal with the Seattle Seahawks for franchise QB Russell Wilson. As uneven as the performance has been from the Colts’ new QB, it has arguably been even worse for the Broncos.
It’s too early to tell if it’s a matter of on-the-field play or play-calling, but the Broncos’ offense just hasn’t clicked so far under Wilson. While he had an efficient game against the Raiders last week, Russ is averaging just one passing touchdown per week.
Despite all this doom and gloom surrounding the quarterback position, tonight should still have its fair share of intrigue; these must-play props, however, can add even more to that excitement:
Nyheim Hines | Over Total Rushing & Receiving Yards
With Jonathan Taylor out, the burden of lessening Matt Ryan’s own burden will fall largely on electric back Nyheim Hines. While the opportunity may be there, Hines may not be able to seize it fully as he’s struggled to find his rhythm this season outside of a 54-yard performance against the Houston Texans in Week 1.
Against a Broncos defense that ranks 17th in rushing yards allowed to running backs and 12th in receiving yards allowed to running backs, he has a chance.
As the co-focal point of the offense alongside Michael Pitman Jr., expect Hines to find that rhythm he’s missed so far this season.
Take the over for Nyheim Hines’ all-purpose yards tonight.
Melvin Gordon| Under Total Rushing Yards
Like Colts’ running back Nyheim Hines, Broncos running back Melvin Gordon will get the bulk of the rushing work in Javonte Williams’ absence. While in some situations, this would be the time for Gordon to step up and lead the Broncos to victory behind his rushing attack, that isn’t likely to be why the Broncos win if they manage to do so.
The Indianapolis Colts give up the seventh-fewest rushing yards to opposing backs and Gordon is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry so far this season. Not exactly an ideal matchup for Denver, who also continue to miss starting right guard Quinn Meinerz and may also be without starting right tackle Billy Turner.
For tonight’s game, take the under on Melvin Gordon’s rushing yards.
Mo Alie-Cox | Anytime Touchdown
Mo Alie-Cox is coming off of a two-touchdown, 85-yard performance. Can he keep up that pace? Absolutely not, but he will likely surpass his current o/u mark of just 18.5 receiving yards in tonight’s game.
While the Broncos are a top-2 defense when it comes to receiving yards allowed to wideouts, they give up the 15th most yards among NFL teams to tight ends. If the Colts are going to have any sort of passing tonight, they are going to have to involve Alie-Cox.
Take the over on Alie-Cox’s receiving yards tonight.
