Parker Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Gabriel Broncos 27, Colts 20 Sean Payton’s team has won the games it’s supposed to this year. The best team by record they’ve beaten is 7-6 Tampa Bay. The worst team they’ve lost to by record? A three-team tie at 8-5. The Colts are 6-7. The Broncos are favored by 4. An eight-year playoff drought is on the line. At long last, it’s time for the breakthrough.

Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos Ryan 27, Colts 17 The Broncos McFadden understand what’s at stake on Sunday, and their performance will reflect that.Denver will take advantage of a struggling Colts defense and don’t be surprised if it relies on the run game to do so. Expect Anthony Richardson to try to create some explosive plays in the passing game. However, he will fall victim to the turnover bug, which will play a big part in the outcome.

Troy Troy Renck, columnist: Renck Broncos 25, Colts 20 The blinker has been on for months. Can the Broncos finally show they have turned the corner by winning their biggest game since Super Bowl 50? In a word, yes. Their performance will match the stakes. This matchup plays to the Broncos’ strengths. They will feature a balanced offense with Bo Nix and create takeaways from a dynamic quarterback in Anthony Richardson, who doesn’t always know where the ball is going when he releases it.

Sean Sean Keeler, columnist: Keeler Broncos 24, Colts 17 Anthony Richardson’s lifetime NFL road stats: Five games, 5 passing TDs, 5 rushing TDs, and a 63.5 passer rating. Bo Nix’s lifetime NFL home stats: Six games, 12 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs and a 99.0 passer rating.Mile High Magic ultimately pulls Denver over the line, and thank goodness. The Colts (6-7) get the festive gifts of the Titans, Giants and Jaguars over the holiday season. The Broncos (8-5) get the Chargers, Bengals and Chiefs. Win and you’re in, baby.