Colts upend Broncos to advance to AFC Championship Game

The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Denver Broncos 24-13 to advance to the AFC Championship Game where they will face the New England Patriots.

It's a disappointing end to the season for Peyton Manning and the Broncos, who managed just a single touchdown against the Colts. Denver opened the scoring, but never reclaimed the lead.

Andrew Luck carried the load, throwing 43 times for 265 yards and a pair of touchdowns. However, the key to the victory was the Colts rushing attack.

The Indy backfield looked to be at a distinct disadvantage coming into the contest, but the Colts out-rushed the Broncos 99-89. Boom Herron stepped up and turned in a solid performance of 63 yards and a touchdown.

If this is Manning's final game, it certainly wasn't the send off he imagined.

Top Performers

Andrew Luck, QB, Colts
27-43, 265 passing yards, 2 TDs
The Colts put this game on Luck's shoulders and he didn't disappoint. He out-dueled Manning on the big stage and led three scoring drives of more than 10 plays. 

C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos
19 carries for 91 yards
Anderson was one of the few Broncos on offense that turned in a quality effort. He was breaking tackles left and right. 

Turning Point

Colts return man Josh Cribbs took a big hit here on a punt return during the third quarter and it was initially ruled a fumble with a Broncos recovery. 

However, the play was overturned and Indy retained possession.

Had the play stood, Denver would have been setup deep inside Indianapolis territory with a chance to cut into the Broncos 11-point lead at the time. 

Must-See Moments

Sergio Brown does his best Kam Chancellor impression

Brown shows us how not to jump over the line of scrimmage on a field goal attempt.

Broncos offense gets booed

The Broncos weren't clicking offensively in this one and the Denver faithful let them have it.  

C.J. Anderson can't be stopped

Broncos running back C.J. Anderson refused to be denied on this fourth-and-1 play.

Up Next

The Colts will now head to New England to take on the Patriots next Sunday evening. 

The two sides met earlier this season and the Patriots rolled to an easy 42-20 victory.