Instant Reaction: Andrew Luck Leads Colts To 24-13 Upset Over Broncos To Advance

Denver came out on fire and scored a touchdown on their first drive, but Indianapolis responded with two touchdowns in the second quarter to take a 14-10 advantage into halftime. The Colts scored again in the third quarter to extend their lead, and the Broncos were unable to get their offense going and overcome the deficit.

Turning Point:

Denver kicked a field goal with 13:50 left in the game to cut Indy's lead to 21-13 and make it a game again, but the Colts then went on a huge drive that lasted 8:14 and resulted in a field goal. That turned it into a two-possession game with just over four minutes to play, which wasn't enough time for the Broncos to pull off the comeback.

Indianapolis MVP:

Andrew Luck carried this Colts again in this one, just as he has all season. He passed for 265 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 21 more yards and leading Indianapolis' offense up-and-down the field all afternoon.

Denver MVP:

Running back C.J. Anderson showed us why he's become the starter for the Broncos, gaining 91 hard-earned yards on just 19 carries.

Stat of the Day:

Denver's usually high-powered offense was anything but today, and that severely hampered their ability to extend drives, as shown by their 4/16 third down conversion rate - two of which came in garbage time.

What’s Next?

Indianapolis will travel to New England to take on the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game next Sunday, while Denver's season ends in disappointing fashion after a 12-4 regular season. Now, the Broncos are forced to wonder about Peyton Manning's retirement, Demaryius and Julius Thomas' impending free agency, and the status of their head coach.