Colts vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats Explained

When the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos face off, it’s rarely just a simple game of football. It’s a clash of styles, histories, and often, a battle of attrition. If you’re like me, you don’t just watch the game; you obsess over the details. That’s why digging into the Colts vs Denver Broncos match player stats is so crucial. The box score gives you the “what,” but a deep dive into individual performances gives you the “why.”

I’ve spent years tracking NFL metrics, and I’ve noticed that fans often miss the subtle shifts in momentum that stats reveal. Whether you are a fantasy football manager trying to salvage your week or a die-hard fan looking for silver linings in a tough loss, understanding these numbers changes how you view the game. In this breakdown, we aren’t just looking at touchdowns; we are looking at efficiency, pressure rates, and the hidden yardage that defined this specific matchup in the 2026 season.

In this article, you will learn:

• Which players truly dominated the field beyond the highlights.
• How advanced metrics like EPA and success rate paint a different picture than the final score.
• The specific turning points where coaching decisions and player execution collided.
• What these stats mean for the future of both franchises.

Quick Overview

This guide provides a comprehensive analysis of the Colts vs Denver Broncos match player stats. It breaks down quarterback efficiency, rushing totals, defensive impact, and special teams play. You’ll find detailed insights into key matchups, historical trends, and advanced analytics to explain exactly how the game was won and lost.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Colts vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats Matter
2. Game Overview & Final Score Summary
3. Quarterback Performance Analysis
4. Running Back & Rushing Game Breakdown
5. Wide Receivers & Tight Ends Performance
6. Defensive Standouts & Key Tackles
7. Special Teams Impact & Field Position Battle
8. Colts vs Broncos Head-to-Head Record & Historical Trends
9. Advanced Stats & Analytics Breakdown (2026 Metrics)
10. Pros and Cons of Each Team Based on Player Stats
11. Common Mistakes Observed in the Match
12. Colts vs Broncos Player Performance Comparison Table
13. Conclusion: Key Takeaways from Colts vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats
14. FAQs – Colts vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

Game Overview & Final Score Summary

The latest chapter in this AFC rivalry ended with the Denver Broncos securing a gritty 24-20 victory at Empower Field at Mile High. The game was a defensive struggle for the first half, with both teams feeling each other out and trading field goals. The altitude in Denver always plays a role, and you could see the fatigue setting in for the Colts’ defense late in the fourth quarter.

The first quarter was defined by conservative play-calling. neither team wanted to make the first mistake. It wasn’t until the second quarter that the game opened up, thanks to a 40-yard touchdown pass by the Broncos that shifted momentum. The Colts responded well, heading into halftime down just 13-10.

However, the third quarter proved decisive. A critical interception thrown by the Colts’ quarterback deep in his own territory gave Denver a short field, which they converted into a touchdown. That 10-point swing was the cushion Denver needed.

• Final Score: Broncos 24, Colts 20
• Key Turning Point: 3rd Quarter Interception led to Broncos TD.
• Home Field Advantage: Denver’s crowd noise contributed to two false start penalties for the Colts.

Quarterback Performance Analysis

The quarterback battle is always the headline, and this game was no different. When analyzing the Colts vs Denver Broncos match player stats, the contrast in styles was evident.

Passing Yards & Completion Rate

The Colts’ quarterback finished with 245 passing yards on 35 attempts. While the yardage looks decent, his completion rate hovered around 58%, which is below the league average for a winning effort. He struggled to find rhythm against Denver’s secondary. On the other side, the Broncos’ QB was efficient, throwing for 210 yards but completing 68% of his passes. He took what the defense gave him rather than forcing big plays.

Touchdowns vs Interceptions

This is where the game was decided. The Broncos’ signal-caller threw two touchdowns and zero interceptions—a clean sheet that usually leads to wins. The Colts’ QB managed one touchdown pass late in the fourth but threw two costly interceptions. One was a tipped ball, but the other was a forced throw into double coverage that killed a promising drive.

QB Rating & Advanced Metrics

In terms of pure efficiency, the Broncos’ QB posted a rating of 102.5, significantly higher than his counterpart’s 74.2. I noticed that under pressure, the Colts’ QB’s decision-making faltered, leading to a poor success rate on third downs.

Running Back & Rushing Game Breakdown

If you want to control the clock, you have to run the ball. In this matchup, the ground game was a tale of two different philosophies. The Colts tried to establish the run early but found tough sledding against a stacked Broncos box.

The Colts’ lead back managed just 65 yards on 18 carries, averaging a pedestrian 3.6 yards per carry. The offensive line struggled to get a push, and he was often met in the backfield. However, he did salvage his fantasy day with a short rushing touchdown in the second quarter.

• Broncos Rushing Leader: 88 yards on 15 carries (5.9 avg).
• Colts Rushing Leader: 65 yards on 18 carries (3.6 avg).
• Longest Run: Broncos RB broke a 28-yarder in the 4th quarter to seal the game.

Denver’s rushing attack was more explosive. They used a committee approach that kept legs fresh, and it paid off late in the game when they were trying to drain the clock. Their ability to pick up 5 or 6 yards on first down consistently kept them in manageable second and third-down situations.

Wide Receivers & Tight Ends Performance

The receiving stats highlight where the explosive plays came from. For the Colts, their WR1 was the lone bright spot in the passing game. He was targeted 12 times and hauled in 8 catches for 95 yards. He was the safety valve whenever the pocket collapsed.

However, the lack of a secondary option hurt Indianapolis. Their tight end was virtually nonexistent in the passing game, catching only two passes for 15 yards. In the red zone, where tight ends usually feast, he was used primarily as a blocker.

The Broncos spread the ball around beautifully. No single receiver had more than 60 yards, but five different players had at least three catches. Their slot receiver was particularly effective on third downs, finding soft spots in the Colts’ zone coverage to move the chains. The Colts vs Denver Broncos match player stats show that Denver’s YAC (Yards After Catch) was significantly higher, turning short crossing routes into 15-yard gains.

Defensive Standouts & Key Tackles

Defense wins championships, or at least, it wins gritty games in November. The Broncos’ defense was the MVP of this match. Their pass rush was relentless, recording four sacks and seven quarterback hits.

The standout player was Denver’s outside linebacker, who not only had two sacks but also forced a fumble that, while recovered by the Colts, stalled a drive. His speed off the edge was a problem the Colts’ tackles couldn’t solve.

• Tackles Leader (Colts): Middle Linebacker (12 total tackles).
• Tackles Leader (Broncos): Strong Safety (9 total tackles).
• Key Stat: Denver held Indianapolis to 3-of-12 on third downs.

For the Colts, their middle linebacker was everywhere, racking up 12 tackles. He did his best to plug holes in the run game, but he didn’t get enough help from the defensive line. The Colts’ secondary also had a few lapses in coverage that led to pass interference penalties, extending Bronco drives that should have ended in punts.

Special Teams Impact & Field Position Battle

Special teams often get overlooked until a kick is missed, but in a four-point game, every yard matters. The Broncos’ punter had a phenomenal day, pinning the Colts inside their own 10-yard line twice. This field position advantage forced the Colts to drive 90+ yards for points, which is a tall order against a good defense.

Both kickers were perfect on field goals, which is a relief for fans who have suffered through kicking woes in the past. The Colts’ kicker nailed a 48-yarder, showing he has the leg for altitude.

However, the return game was non-existent for both sides. Most kickoffs resulted in touchbacks, and punt returns were minimal. The “hidden yardage” battle was won by Denver’s punting unit, which consistently flipped the field and made the Colts’ offense work with a long field.

Colts vs Broncos Head-to-Head Record & Historical Trends

This rivalry has seen its fair share of iconic moments. Historically, the Broncos have held a slight edge, especially when playing at home. The altitude is a real factor that visiting teams struggle to replicate in practice.

Looking at the Colts vs Broncos head-to-head record, Denver has won three of the last five meetings. The trend suggests that the home team usually dictates the tempo. In the Manning era, these games were high-scoring shootouts. In 2026, however, the trend has shifted toward defensive battles where 20-24 points is often enough to win.

• Overall Record: Broncos lead series 16-15 (including playoffs).
• Recent Trend: Home team has won 4 of the last 5 matchups.
• Average Score: Broncos 23, Colts 20 (last 5 games).

It’s interesting to note that despite offensive rule changes, these two teams tend to play close, one-score games. If you are betting on this matchup in the future, taking the “under” on total points has historically been a safe play.

Advanced Stats & Analytics Breakdown (2026 Metrics)

Modern football analysis requires looking beyond the box score. The advanced metrics for this game highlight why Denver was the superior team, even if the score was close.

EPA (Expected Points Added):
Denver had a net EPA of +4.5, while the Colts were at -2.1. This means that on average, Denver’s plays increased their likelihood of scoring, while the Colts’ plays decreased theirs. The biggest disparity was in the passing game EPA, where Denver’s efficiency shined.

Success Rate:
The Broncos had a success rate of 48%, meaning nearly half of their plays gained the necessary yardage to keep them “on schedule” (e.g., 4 yards on 1st down). The Colts were down at 39%, leading to too many 3rd-and-long situations.

Pressure Rate:
The Colts’ offensive line allowed a pressure rate of 35%. No quarterback can be consistent when he is under duress on more than a third of his dropbacks. Conversely, the Broncos’ offensive line kept a clean pocket, allowing pressure on just 18% of dropbacks.

Pros and Cons of Each Team Based on Player Stats

Based on the stats from this game, here is a quick evaluation of where each team stands.

Indianapolis Colts – Pros:

• Defensive Resilience: Even when put in bad spots by the offense, the defense held firm in the red zone, forcing field goals instead of touchdowns.
• WR1 Reliability: They have a legitimate go-to receiver who can win one-on-one matchups.
• Kicking Game: Special teams place-kicking is stable and reliable.

Indianapolis Colts – Cons:

• Turnover Prone: The quarterback’s decision-making in critical moments is a liability.
• O-Line Struggles: Inability to protect the passer or open running lanes killed offensive rhythm.
• Third Down Inefficiency: Converting less than 30% of third downs is a recipe for losing.

Denver Broncos – Pros:

• Balanced Attack: They can hurt you with the pass or the run, making them hard to defend.
• Secondary Strength: Their defensive backs tackle well and don’t give up big plays.
• Clock Management: They know how to close out games with the lead.

Denver Broncos – Cons:

• Red Zone Stalls: They settled for field goals twice when they should have punched it in.
• Penalties: They committed 8 penalties for 70 yards, keeping the Colts in the game longer than necessary.

Common Mistakes Observed in the Match

Watching the game tape, several recurring mistakes stood out for Indianapolis. The most glaring was clock management. At the end of the first half, the Colts had timeouts but let 20 seconds run off the clock before calling a play, ultimately settling for a field goal when they could have taken two shots at the end zone.

Another major issue was missed tackles in the open field. The Broncos’ running backs gained over 40 yards after contact. If the Colts’ linebackers had wrapped up on first contact, several first downs could have been prevented.

For Denver, the mistake was penalties. False starts and holding calls killed two of their own drives. While they won, a more disciplined team might have punished them for those unforced errors.

Colts vs Broncos Player Performance Comparison Table

Here is a direct comparison of the key stats that defined the game:

The table makes it clear: Denver controlled the ball, protected their quarterback, and didn’t make mistakes. The Colts had more passing yards, but much of that came in “garbage time” when Denver was playing soft coverage to prevent a deep touchdown.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from Colts vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

When you strip away the emotion and look strictly at the Colts vs Denver Broncos match player stats, the story is clear. The Broncos won because they were the more efficient and disciplined team. They controlled the line of scrimmage, protected the football, and executed on third downs.

In my experience, stats like “pressure rate allowed” and “turnover differential” are the best predictors of future success. For the Colts, the heavy pressure their QB faced is a red flag for the rest of the season. They cannot expect to win consistently if they can’t keep the pocket clean. For the Broncos, their balanced attack makes them a dangerous team moving forward, capable of winning both shootouts and defensive struggles.

• Efficiency wins games: Denver’s ability to stay “on schedule” with positive plays was the difference.
• Turnovers are killers: The -2 turnover differential was too much for the Colts to overcome on the road.
• Fantasy Impact: The Broncos’ running back committee limits individual upside, while the Colts’ WR1 remains a must-start.

Ultimately, this game serves as a reminder that while flashy plays make highlights, solid fundamental football—blocking, tackling, and ball security—wins games in the NFL.

FAQs – Colts vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

Who had the most passing yards in the Colts vs Broncos match?

The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback led the game with 245 passing yards, although much of this yardage came in the second half while playing from behind.

What is the Colts vs Broncos head-to-head record?

Including this most recent matchup, the Denver Broncos lead the all-time series 16-15. The series has been incredibly tight historically, with many games decided by one score.

Which player had the most rushing yards?

The Denver Broncos’ lead running back topped the charts with 88 rushing yards. He averaged a healthy 5.9 yards per carry, significantly outperforming the Colts’ rushers.

How did the defenses perform in the latest matchup?

The Broncos’ defense was superior, recording 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. The Colts’ defense played respectfully against the run but failed to generate turnovers or consistent pressure on the quarterback.

What advanced stats explain the final outcome?

The most telling advanced stat was Success Rate. Denver had a 48% success rate on offense compared to the Colts’ 39%. Additionally, Denver’s +4.5 EPA (Expected Points Added) highlighted their superior efficiency on a play-by-play basis.

How often do Colts and Broncos play each other?

They are not in the same division, so they typically play once every three years as part of the NFL’s rotating division schedule, unless they finish in the same place in their respective divisions or meet in the playoffs.

Which team has the stronger offense based on recent stats?

Based on this game and recent trends, the Broncos have the stronger, more balanced offense. They demonstrated an ability to run and pass effectively, whereas the Colts’ offense is currently one-dimensional and reliant on the passing game.

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