Indianapolis Colts @ Denver Broncos
Sunday January 11, 2015. 4:40 p.m. EST, CBS

Surprisingly this game has really been swept under the rug this week. If you would have said a few weeks ago that Peyton Manning will be taking on the Colts and Andrew Luck in a playoff game, I would have thought the storylines and coverage would be exploited to the point of being unbearable. Turns out it seems like it has third billing. The Cowboys have top billing because they divide fans so much. Then shockingly the Pats-Ravens rivalry has a lot more steam than at least I personally realized.

However, this is an extremely intriguing game. I really don’t care about Manning facing his old team or Luck taking the torch. What’s interesting is the matchup itself. Luck really struggled down the stretch behind a miserable O-Line and rushing attack. Manning was even worse. Age has caught up with him to the point that he struggles pushing the ball down field and can barely even muster up the velocity to throw a tight spiral. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t shock anybody if this turned out to be a shootout and biggest fantasy game of the week. Neither team garners a ton of confidence right now. Surprisingly it may be decided by the rushing game and defense. This is by far the toughest game this week to predict the outcome. Honestly I believe if the game is close, Luck finds a way to win. However, if it’s a blowout, Denver will be the ones to run away with it.

Indianapolis Colts: What to look for

Quarterbacks
About a month ago Luck would have been a lock for a great choice this week. Now, not so much. He could come out and have a great game, but he could also not nearly live up to his $8,700 price tag on DraftKings.com. The Colts’ offensive line has deteriorated and the running game hasn’t been the same since Ahmad Bradshaw went down. While T.Y. Hilton continues to play like a future star despite a few drops last week, Reggie Wayne is really beginning to show his age and dealing with a tricep injury on top of it. Still, no one would be shocked if Luck came out this week and put up 30-plus fantasy points. He’s just not the safe pick he was in early December. He is a bit pricey for me, but no one would blame you if you plugged him in. Especially in a game that has major shootout potential.

Running Backs
With Trent Richardson reduced to an occasional punt coverage role, Boom Herron is probably the top back in Indy. However, after putting the ball on the turf last week, it wouldn’t be a total shock to see Zurlon Tipton get work. But we still think Boom is a safe bet for about 10-to-12 carries and has a ton of PPR value. He also has a moderate shot at scoring a TD. He has decent value at $5,300 this week. If you can’t budget in one of the star RBs, Herron is a great option on the second tier. He may be a tiny bit overpriced only $100 cheaper than Justin Forsett. While we don’t love Herron’s matchup against a tough Broncos’ rush defense, Heron is still a feature back and since he has more PPR value he should be alright. Don’t be afraid to plug in Herron this week. He doesn’t have a ton of upside but is a pretty safe pick.

Wide Receivers
As we mentioned before, Hilton is the clear star in this WR corps and Wayne is struggling through injury. If you want to spend the money on Hilton, he should be a very good play and is a bit cheaper than the most elite WRs. Wayne should be avoided. He just isn’t healthy and it shows. The guy who is really intriguing is Donte Moncrief. At only $3,600, he may turn out to be a great play. If Aqib Talib can at least limit Hilton, Moncrief will probably be the next receiver in line to produce. If you are looking for a cheap option at WR with major upside, roll with Moncrief this week. We really like him.

Tight Ends
I say the same thing every week and I’m not changing now. Dwayne Allen is the TE to own, especially considering he is $1,100 cheaper than Coby Fleener. Allen has proven over the past few years that he is clearly the more talented and more productive TE. Now that Allen is healthy and still cheaper, he is clearly the guy to own. When healthy Allen is pretty much a lock to catch 3-4 passes for 50-60 yards and a TD. He is really the model of consistency. On the other hand, while Fleener has more upside when it comes to yardage, he lacks consistency and isn’t nearly the red zone threat of Allen. His inflated price tag diminishes his value.

Denver Broncos: What to look for

Quarterbacks
Since Week 14 Manning has been a shell of his former self. Last time we saw him, the Bengals’ secondary had their way with him. Now it’s possible the week off did wonders for him and he could have a great week. Personally, I’m not going anywhere near him and his $8,400 price tag. This may seem a bit crazy but if all the QBs cost the same, I would still rank Manning seventh this week. He could make me look really silly, nevertheless, avoid the declining future Hall of Famer.

Running Backs
C.J. Anderson is going to have a monster game this week and he’s going to have to if the Broncos are going to win. I have just as much confidence in him as I do in DeMarco Murray, Marshawn Lynch and Eddie Lacy. Anderson is well worth the money and the Broncos are going to lean heavily on him. It would not shock me if he gets in the area of 25-to-30 touches. Against that Indy rush defense, he may have a special game.

Wide Receivers
In all likelihood, premier corner back Vontae Davis will be covering Demaryius Thomas. This could devalue you him a bit his week. At $8,500 he is not a bad play but may not be the best either. Emmanuel Sanders has been the better option down the stretch as Manning’s ability has waned. He is $1,300 cheaper than Thomas and has much more value this week based on his cap number. If you plan on taking a Broncos’ WR, grab Sanders. If you’re wondering why Wes Welker wasn’t featured it’s because he has been reduced to an afterthought at this point.

Tight Ends
Julius Thomas hasn’t been the same since he sprained his ankle. Nonetheless, Manning’s weak arm coupled with the fact the Colts have given up the seventh most fantasy points to opposing TEs this season makes Thomas a very intriguing play. He is still the second most expensive TE at $200 more than Greg Olsen. His $5,300 tag is way down from what it was earlier in the season though. He is a bit risky, nevertheless, he’s probably a pretty solid play this week.

Predictions

Final Score
Indianapolis: 27
Denver: 24

Best Play
Colts: T.Y. Hilton
Broncos: C.J. Anderson

Sleeper
Donte Moncrief