Five Key Matchups: Broncos vs. Colts

Teammate DeMarcus Ware has racked up the sack numbers to the lead the Broncos with 5.5, but Von Miller has been a driving force on the opposite side, which has helped open up opportunities for the other linebackers or defensive linemen. Against another mobile quarterback, Miller's relentless pursuit with his speed could help him rein in some tackles behind the line of scrimmage as Luck tries to hold on for time while he waits for receivers to break on their routes. But Luck is no easy quarterback to bring down. Built more like a tight end, he's a physical player who doesn't shy away from contact. It might take a couple defenders to bring him down sometimes.

Mewhort is the only member of the Colts' starting offensive linemen who hasn't given up a sack this season, but if Jackson has anything to say about that, that streak will end on Sunday. Jackson's combination of speed, drive and physicality make him a dynamic pass rusher as a three-technique defensive end and he's no slouch in defending the run.

Manning's return to Indianapolis—just the second time he'll have played in Lucas Oil Stadium as an opponent since the Colts released him in 2012—will have its share of emotions, but he'll have his focus on the field. Indianapolis' defense boasts one of the top cornerbacks in the league in Vontae Davis, who has faced Manning three times since the Broncos QB came to Denver. In the most recent matchup, Davis deflected five passes and made eight total tackles. The Broncos offense is coming off its best game so far and it will have an additional weapon with the recent acquisition of TE Vernon Davis, Vontae's brother.

The Broncos are coming off their most complete offensive showing to date, and a big part of that must be attributed to the success the team had on the ground. Running backs Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson combined for 161 rushing yards, their best combined output. With a combination of two different styles—Hillman, the speedier back, and Anderson, the bruiser—the Broncos ran all over Green Bay. Head Coach Gary Kubiak certainly hopes the offense will give a repeat performance in the rushing game, as it helped open up the field for QB Peyton Manning and the offense. Colts linebackers D'Qwell Jackson and Jerrell Freeman, however, will be tasked with preventing them from finding room to run beyond the line of scrimmage. The two are tackling machines and as they patrol their gap scheme, they can try to force the Broncos to be one-dimensional.

Whether Hilton plays against the Broncos might be a last-minute decision with his foot injury. He has yet to practice this week as of Thursday's practice, but reports say he'll be a game-time decision. Hilton provided the Colts with a spark in January's divisional round playoff game against the Broncos, catching four passes for 72 yards. His performance helped power Indianapolis past Denver and to New England for the AFC Championship game. But Hilton is the type of player that Harris excels at covering: small and speedy in doesn't mind working in the slot. For whatever reason, Harris didn't match up against Hilton in that game, but he should see a bit more time matched up against him on Sunday. This defense is a different monster than last year's and Andrew Luck and Hilton will face a more difficult challenge.