The Indianapolis Colts are edging the Denver Broncos with a four-point lead at the break in the AFC divisional-round clash at Sports Authority Field.
The Broncos started the game well as Peyton Manning completed a deep pass down the sideline for Julius Thomas to put his team into the red zone. The quarterback then fired the Broncos ahead with a touchdown strike to Demaryius Thomas on a fade route.
Indianapolis hit back with deep plays to TY Hilton as Andrew Luck took his side into the Denver half of the field, and they drew level when he handed the ball off the Daniel Herron for a six-yard touchdown.
Jonathan Newsome came with a huge play for the Colts when he sacked Manning and forced a fumble from the quarterback, allowing his side to gather. Luck put his team back on the goal line and they went ahead when he fired to Dwayne Allen in the endzone.
Chuck Pagano's men spurned the chance to push further into the lead as Adam Vinatieri missed a 44-yard field goal, while Luck threw an interception late in the half to stop his side registering further points in the second quarter.
The Broncos managed to pull within four points when Connor Barth fired a 45-yard field goal through the posts just before the end of the half.
Simon Sinclair
