Mike Shanahan, an offense-first coach whose Denver Broncos haven’t scored more than 17 points in a game this season, reverts to one of football’s oldest cliches when he says: “It’s points given up by the defense that constantly wins.”

So far this season, he’s right. His team has allowed just two touchdowns in going 5-1, both TDs coming after the Broncos took 17-0 leads in New England and Cleveland. The Broncos’ only loss was on opening day in St. Louis, when they gave up 18 points on six field goals.

Shanahan might want to open up things a bit when unbeaten Indianapolis comes to Denver with Peyton Manning and an offense averaging 28 points a game.

The Broncos are favored by 21â2 in a game of classic contrasts.

Yes, Indy can score. But it is next to last in run defense and running has been Denver’s strength – even in the last stages of John Elway’s career a decade ago.

In addition, the Colts look like they’re due for a loss, unlike last season, when they stormed to a 13-0 record without many close calls. Even last week, when they beat the Redskins, 36-22, they trailed 14-13 at halftime, and they barely managed to beat the Titans at home and the Jets on the road.

There’s also an intangible.

“We want to be a little under the radar this season,” Peyton Manning said during training camp.

No, that doesn’t mean they will try to lose. But they’re due for a defeat and a loss this week might take away some of the scrutiny.

BRONCOS, 24-23

New England (minus 2) at Minnesota (Monday night)

Interesting game – IF we get to watch the players without being distracted by plugs for “Dancing with the Stars,” interviews with Hank Jr., and cuts to whatever T.O. has (or hasn’t) done on Sunday.

PATRIOTS, 19-16

Dallas (plus 51â2) at Carolina

Speaking of T.O, the Panthers will have plenty of tape of him and at least a half’s worth of tape on Tony Romo.

PANTHERS, 24-13 Baltimore (plus 2) at New Orleans

Let’s see how much more Brian Billick knows about coordinating than Jim Fassel.

SAINTS, 21-18

Jacksonville (plus 6) at Philadelphia

Two touted contenders who befuddle even themselves.

EAGLES, 31-11

Atlanta (plus 41â2) at Cincinnati

Two more touted contenders who befuddle even themselves.

BENGALS, 21-20

San Francisco (plus 161â2) at Chicago

The Bears learned about weak teams in Arizona. Not here.

BEARS, 49-5

St. Louis (plus 9) at San Diego

Not much faith in the Rams, is there?

CHARGERS, 27-17

Tampa Bay (plus 9) at New York Giants

Ronde Barber has two more TDs than Tiki. Beware a Giants letdown off a big Monday night win.

GIANTS, 24-19

Pittsburgh (minus 9) at Oakland

The Raiders have their win.

STEELERS, 20-2

Seattle (plus 4) at Kansas City

This is why you need a backup QB like Damon Huard. Not Seneca Wallace.

CHIEFS, 23-10

New York Jets (plus 2) at Cleveland

Browns are due to win. Jets are due to lose. Hunch.

BROWNS, 20-17

Arizona (plus 3) at Green Bay

Cardinals are permanently demoralized.

PACKERS, 24-20

Houston (plus 3) at Tennessee

Unlike the Cardinals, neither of these teams has quit. It’s the coaching.

TITANS, 10-9.

Last week: 6-7 (spread) 5-8 (Straight up)

Season: 39-55-6 (spread); 63-37 (straight up)