Here come the New York Jets for the game Sunday, which leaves just one thought on everybody’s minds.
What would be the betting line if the 7-2 Broncos were playing the 9-0 Indianapolis Colts this week?
Bob Scucci, sports book manager at the Las Vegas’ Stardust Hotel and Casino, renowned for being the first to put out the betting lines each week, said if the game were played in Indianapolis, he would make the Colts a five-point favorite.
That may seem low considering the Colts’ consecutive whippings of the Broncos in the past two playoffs, but Scucci said when it comes to the regular season, most bettors are focused on what happened last week, not last year.
“I could see the line getting bet up to a higher number, but I would hesitate to give a lot of points to a ‘live dog,”‘ Scucci said.
By “live dog” Scucci is referring to a fan-favorite underdog that would have a chance to win outright. If the Broncos and Colts were to meet in a playoff game this week at Indy – and Broncos fans can’t be helped if they begin thinking about the possibility – the line would be 6 1/2 or 7 points.
“Home field is worth more in the playoffs,” Scucci said.
For those stuck in the here and now, the Broncos are favored by 13 over the Jets on Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Warren for the long term
After this season, the Broncos will have eight unrestricted free agents: Gerard Warren, Keith Burns, Ron Dayne, Sam Brandon, Mike Leach, Patrick Chukwurah, Marco Coleman and Monsanto Pope.
Unlike some teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, who recently gave a new deal to running back Brian Westbrook, the Broncos don’t negotiate during the season. Come late winter, Warren, their starting defensive tackle whose salary cap value this year is $1.85 million, will become the Broncos’ No. 1 priority.
“My focus is on this season,” Warren said. “I would love to stay here, but I’m just trying to finish up the season on a positive note. If I’m fortunate enough to stay healthy and they want me back, I’d be more than happy to oblige and stay.”
A former first-round draft choice (third overall), Warren played four seasons with the Cleveland Browns until he was traded to the Broncos in March for a fourth-round draft choice. Has Warren’s first season with the Broncos been his best overall?
“It’s my funnest year, the most fun I’ve ever had in the NFL,” Warren said. “We’re playing nice, fundamentally sound football. You don’t find too many guys with minuses on their grade sheets when we come in on Monday or Wednesday. So that’s been very uplifting. You could say I’m having my best year technique-wise and fundamental-wise, so, yeah, I guess you could say that.”
Mike Klis can be reached at 303-820-5440 or mklis@denverpost.com.
