Game story
In the Wild Card of the 2014 NFL season on 2015-01-11, the Indianapolis Colts took care of business against the Denver Broncos, pulling away with a 24–13 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 17 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
P. Manning (Denver Broncos) paced the passing game, with -14.47 total EPA, and -3.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, A. Luck (Indianapolis Colts) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.14 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-11.7% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Indianapolis Colts changed the game: (4:38) 4-A.Vinatieri 44 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Colts | 0 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
| Denver Broncos | 7 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 A. Luck · Indianapolis Colts · Passing · +11.14 total EPA · 48 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 2 T. Hilton · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +4.71 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
- 3 H. Nicks · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +4.16 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.08 EPA/play
- 4 D. Allen · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +3.22 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.80 EPA/play
- 5 C. Fleener · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +1.93 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
- 6 J. Thomas · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.84 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.26 EPA/play
- 7 Z. Tipton · Indianapolis Colts · Rushing · +1.22 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.61 EPA/play
- 8 Z. Tipton · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +0.89 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
A. Luck — IND · Passing
A. Luck posted the highest total EPA (+11.14) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Indianapolis Colts's efficiency. Across 48 counted snaps, they averaged +0.23 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.35 EPA) came from Denver Broncos: (11:12) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning sacked at DEN 41 for -9 yards (91-J.Newsome). FUMBLES (91-J.Newsome), RECOVERED by IND-50-J.Freeman at DEN 41. 50-J.Freeman to DEN 41 for no gain (66-M.Ramirez).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — D. Thomas (P. Manning pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — D. Herron
- Indianapolis Colts — D. Allen (A. Luck pass)
- Indianapolis Colts — H. Nicks (A. Luck pass)
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — C. Barth
- Denver Broncos — C. Barth
- Indianapolis Colts — A. Vinatieri
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the IND 1 (Q1 55:04) — (10:04) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 88-D.Thomas for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q1 55:00) — 1-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The second quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 14–3. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the DEN 6 (Q2 44:19) — (14:19) 36-D.Herron left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 44:14) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.; Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the DEN 3 (Q2 37:28) — (7:28) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass short left to 83-D.Allen for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 37:23) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the IND 26 (Q2 30:07) — (:07) 1-C.Barth 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The third quarter: Indianapolis Colts won the period 7–0. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the DEN 15 (Q3 23:29) — (8:29) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass short right to 14-H.Nicks for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q3 23:21) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the IND 23 (Q4 13:55) — (13:55) 1-C.Barth 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the DEN 12 (Q4 4:11) — (4:11) 4-A.Vinatieri 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q2 34:38) — (4:38) 4-A.Vinatieri 44 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 25:05) — (10:05) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass deep middle to 80-C.Fleener to DEN 8 for 32 yards (30-D.Bruton).
- Denver Broncos (Q2 41:12) — (11:12) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning sacked at DEN 41 for -9 yards (91-J.Newsome). FUMBLES (91-J.Newsome), RECOVERED by IND-50-J.Freeman at DEN 41. 50-J.Freeman to DEN 41 for no gain (66-M.Ramirez).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q2 38:57) — (8:57) 12-A.Luck pass deep right to 10-D.Moncrief to DEN 8 for 22 yards (25-C.Harris) [98-T.Knighton]. Penalty on DEN-25-C.Harris, Defensive Holding, declined.
- Denver Broncos (Q3 15:38) — (:38) 22-C.Anderson right guard to IND 29 for 7 yards (21-V.Davis).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 41:12) — (11:12) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning sacked at DEN 41 for -9 yards (91-J.Newsome). FUMBLES (91-J.Newsome), RECOVERED by IND-50-J.Freeman at DEN 41. 50-J.Freeman to DEN 41 for no gain (66-M.Ramirez).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 25:05) — (10:05) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass deep middle to 80-C.Fleener to DEN 8 for 32 yards (30-D.Bruton).
- Indianapolis Colts (Q2 34:38) — (4:38) 4-A.Vinatieri 44 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.
- Indianapolis Colts (Q3 23:29) — (8:29) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass short right to 14-H.Nicks for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
P.Manning led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- P.Manning (Denver Broncos) · 49 dropbacks · 53.1% completion · -3.9% CPOE · -0.30 EPA/play · -14.47 total EPA
- A.Luck (Indianapolis Colts) · 48 dropbacks · 56.2% completion · -0.7% CPOE · +0.23 EPA/play · +11.14 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Indianapolis Colts | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.025 | -0.143 |
| Offensive success rate | 40.7% | 37.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.232 | -0.295 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.129 | +0.006 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.143 | -0.025 |
| Defensive success rate | 62.1% | 59.3% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Indianapolis Colts generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.03 vs -0.14), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Denver Broncos: 12 drives, -12.41 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Indianapolis Colts: 12 drives, +2.23 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Indianapolis Colts leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- A. Luck (Indianapolis Colts) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- P. Manning (DEN) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 55:04 · IND 1 · Score 0-6
(10:04) 18-P.Manning pass short left to 88-D.Thomas for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 55:00 · IND 2 · Score 0-7
1-C.Barth extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 44:19 · DEN 6 · Score 6-7
(14:19) 36-D.Herron left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 44:14 · DEN 2 · Score 7-7
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 37:28 · DEN 3 · Score 13-7
(7:28) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass short left to 83-D.Allen for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 37:23 · DEN 2 · Score 14-7
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 30:07 · IND 26 · Score 14-10
(:07) 1-C.Barth 45 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q3 23:29 · DEN 15 · Score 20-10
(8:29) (Shotgun) 12-A.Luck pass short right to 14-H.Nicks for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q3 23:21 · DEN 2 · Score 21-10
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 13:55 · IND 23 · Score 21-13
(13:55) 1-C.Barth 41 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q4 4:11 · DEN 12 · Score 24-13
(4:11) 4-A.Vinatieri 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-45-M.Overton, Holder-1-P.McAfee.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos?
The Indianapolis Colts beat the Denver Broncos 24-13 in Wild Card, 2014 on 2015-01-11.
What was the final score of Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos?
The final score was Indianapolis Colts 24, Denver Broncos 13 (IND 24-13 DEN) in Wild Card, 2014 on 2015-01-11.
What was the score by quarter in Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: Indianapolis Colts 0, Denver Broncos 7; Q2: Indianapolis Colts 14, Denver Broncos 3; Q3: Indianapolis Colts 7, Denver Broncos 0; Q4: Indianapolis Colts 3, Denver Broncos 3; Final: Indianapolis Colts 24, Denver Broncos 13.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos?
Denver Broncos touchdown — D. Thomas (P. Manning pass) (Q1 55:04) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — D. Herron (Q2 44:19) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — D. Allen (A. Luck pass) (Q2 37:28) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — H. Nicks (A. Luck pass) (Q3 23:29) Denver Broncos field goal — C. Barth (Q2 30:07, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — C. Barth (Q4 13:55, 3 pts) Indianapolis Colts field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q4 4:11, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos?
P. Manning (Denver Broncos), 53.1% completion, -3.9% CPOE, -0.30 EPA per dropback, -14.47 total passing EPA. A. Luck (Indianapolis Colts), 56.2% completion, -0.7% CPOE, +0.23 EPA per dropback, +11.14 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos?
A. Luck (Indianapolis Colts) led the game in total EPA with +11.14 on passing plays. across 48 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.35 EPA): (11:12) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning sacked at DEN 41 for -9 yards (91-J.Newsome). FUMBLES (91-J.Newsome), RECOVERED by IND-50-J.Freeman at DEN 41. 50-J.Freeman to DEN 41 for no gain (66. The biggest win-probability swing was -11.7%.
Season records after this game
Indianapolis Colts
Entered 12-5 Now 13-5 W
Denver Broncos
Entered 12-4 Now 12-5 L
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