NFL PRESEASON GAME

With no real answer at quarterback, Denver drafted former Oregon QB Bo Nix with the 12th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson are battling Nix for the starting job. On defense, the Broncos identified some players in free agency to bolster a Vance Joseph-led group that really tightened things up down the stretch. The Colts are poised for a bounceback in QB Anthony Richardson’s return. The second-year QB will play a few series in the preseason opener in his first NFL action since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5 of the 2023 season. Despite his limited play, Richardson took the league by storm, winning two of his first four games and showcasing his unique talents at the quarterback position. With RB Jonathan Taylor under contract and with the team to start the season, Richardson can utilize first-team All-Pro RB to take some pressure off his need to run the ball. The injury to Josh Downs’ ankle is a bummer, but given it’s just a sprain, the Colts’ second-year wide receiver shouldn’t miss much regular season time, if any. With Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., and 2024 second-round pick Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis has formed a lovely trio for Richardson to target. As Indianapolis gears up for another season, if Richardson can stay relatively injury-free, the Colts should be right up there with Houston for the top spot in the AFC South. Today’s matchup against the Broncos is just the start. Broncos vs. Colts Betting Preview With an injury-hit start to his NFL career, Richardson is unlikely to be risked too heavily in the preseason. If he does play any snaps, it will likely be a very controlled offense with little or no scrambling. Then the question becomes how much we see Joe Flacco at this stage of his career, or will it be the Sam Ehlinger show? In Denver, there is fierce competition all over this roster. The QB situation has three contenders, then there are four contenders at RB, and there are pass-catching slots to be earned. The Broncos offense could be very interesting during the preseason, and it could make them very competitive throughout games. For more betting analysis, make sure to check out PFN’s Week 1 preseason picks and predictions. Fantasy Players to Watch Denver Broncos: QB Bo Nix The Broncos are putting a lot of faith in their rookie quarterback, a guy many analysts feel was overdrafted. The fantasy outlooks of Courtland Sutton, Javonte Williams, and the rest of the Broncos offense heavily ride on how well Bo Nix is able to perform as a rookie. Nix will definitely get on the field in the preseason. He may see extensive playing time. Fantasy managers considering the Broncos’ offensive weapons will want to pay close attention to how Nix performs. Indianapolis Colts: WR Adonai Mitchell