On 8:30 p.m on Sept. 7, the Indianapolis Colts will kick off their football season against the Denver Broncos in Denver’s Mile High Stadium. This game will be on NBC as part of the network’s prime time Sunday Night Football package throughout the season. Understandably, this game has a lot of hype to it. It’s not only the first game of the season for the Colts but it’s also the second time that the team will face Peyton Manning, former Colts legend and quarterback, and his talented Broncos.

When the two teams faced each other last season, the Colts spoiled Manning’s return to Indianapolis by defeating the Broncos 39-33. Quarterback Andrew Luck proved that he is more than a capable replacement to Manning by throwing for 224 yards and three touchdowns in addition to a rushing touchdown. The defense also played well as linebacker Robert Mathis got two sacks, one of them caused Manning to fumble the ball in the end zone for a safety, and cornerback Vontae Davis slowed down the Broncos dynamic passing game.

While the Colts emerged victoriously in last year’s game against the Broncos, this year’s matchup will be tougher. As solid as the Broncos were in 2013, the 2014 team might be even stronger especially on defense. The Broncos made a splash this offseason by signing linebacker DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Aqib Talib and safety TJ Ward. In addition, linebacker Von Miller and safety Chris Harris Jr. will come back from their ACL injuries.

Outside of left tackle Anthony Castonzo, the Colts offensive line is mediocre and it will be a challenge for the Colts to fend off both Miller and Ware. If Luck wants to play as well as he did last time the Colts played the Broncos, he cannot force the ball or else that might lead to turnovers and an opportunity for Manning to score. Luck’s main weakness is that he has a habit to force the ball when he’s under pressure. The Colts receiving core, wide receivers Reggie Wayne, TY Hilton and Hakeem Nicks and tight end Dwayne Allen, will help but Luck must control the ball in order for the Colts to win.

Unfortunately for the Colts, their defense will struggle against Manning and the Broncos receiving core. Other than Mathis, the Colts pass rush was unimpressive especially in the preseason. It does not help that Mathis is suspended for this game as part of serving his four-game suspension for taking a banned substance. Colts fans know pretty well how dangerous Manning can be if the pass rush does not get to him in time.

While Luck and the Colts have a penchant for defeating powerful teams in the past two years, it will be easier said than done to defeat the Broncos this year. The Colts will give the Broncos a good fight but, unfortunately, they will fall short this time around.