The stakes high, the energy even higher as the Indianapolis Colts, the Denver Broncos and their young quarterbacks readied to face off under a bright sun -- and under the watchful eye of the last man to deliver each of these clubs their greatest triumphs: Peyton Manning.

Sunday's matchup against Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix highlights just how young and inexperienced Richardson still is.

The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for a momentum-shifting battle against the Denver Broncos this weekend. Currently one game under .500, the Colts have an opportunity to climb back into the AFC's playoff picture against Denver.

The return of Anthony Richardson to the starting lineup has provided the Indianapolis Colts offense and team with a spark. However, that unit will face a difficult test against a stingy Denver defense.

Denver's defense has been excellent up front this season, both against the run and the pass, but the Broncos haven't faced many running quarterbacks.

The road gets borderline impossible in the event of a loss vs. Denver, which raises the pressure for Richardson and this Colts offense.Yet, despite the high stakes of this weekend, the Colts locker room is seemingly confident in the ability of their second-year quarterback.

The Denver Broncos (8-5) host the Indianapolis Colts (6-7) on Sunday in an afternoon game that will have a huge effect on each team’s chance to end their multiyear playoff droughts. Colts reporter James Boyd and Broncos reporter Nick Kosmider went back and forth on several topics ahead of this marquee matchup.