When the Broncos run

Denver wasn’t overly efficient with its ground attack Sunday (84 yards on 35 carries). But by staying true to the run, the Broncos were able to produce the same arithmetic that has existed in all four of their wins: rushing more times than they passed. Still, the Broncos have certainly missed right guard Ron Leary, who was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. The Colts rank 23rd against the run.

When the Colts run

Running back Frank Gore, in his 13th season, had a career-high 36 carries in the loss to Buffalo. He needs 59 scrimmage yards to register his 12th straight season of 1,000 yards or more from scrimmage, which would leave him one season shy of Emmitt Smith’s NFL record. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett (216 yards this season) is also a threat in the run game. The Broncos are tied for third against the rush, giving up 89.5 yards per game.

Special teams When the Broncos pass

When creating a game plan for the Broncos, Colts coach Chuck Pagano said keeping Demaryius Thomas “from wrecking the game” is the top priority. Thomas has four touchdown catches in his last six games and needs 229 receiving yards in the final three games for his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season. The Colts are giving up 257.8 passing yards per game, the third-highest mark in the NFL.

When the Colts pass

Big-play wide receiver T.Y. Hilton has been held under 52 yards receiving in each of his last four games, but he has three games of more than 150 yards this season. Tight end Jack Doyle has been Brissett’s most consistent target, catching 64 passes for 564 yards and three touchdowns. Denver is No. 2 against the pass (191.1 yards per game), but its 26 TD passes surrendered are tied for the most in the league. Jordan Taylor has given the Broncos stability in the punt-return game. He averaged 12.4 yards on five returns against the New York Jets and has had no trouble securing the ball, an upgrade from rookie Isaiah McKenzie (six fumbles). Though he missed two field goals in the snowstorm at Buffalo on Sunday, Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri has remained one of the NFL’s top kickers. The 45-year-old has made 22-of-25 field-goal attempts.