FantasyHQ+

FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 16 · December 21, 2003 · 12 min read

Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts: 2003 Week 16 Recap

Broncos defeat Colts 31–17 in Week 16

Jack Plummer led Fantasy Impact as Broncos prevailed in a 31–17 Week 16 finish.

Denver Broncos 31 10–5 Winner
Final 31–17
Indianapolis Colts 17 11–4
Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
31–17
Halftime
Denver Broncos 28–17 Indianapolis Colts
Top passer
Paul Manning
FantasyHQ MVP
Jack Plummer
Game date
December 21, 2003

Top fantasy performers · Broncos

  • Jack Plummer
    Jack Plummer 14/19 · 238 YDS · 2 TD +18.4 Fantasy Impact
  • A.Lelie 5 REC · 115 YDS +10.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Ryan Smith
    Ryan Smith 4 REC · 42 YDS · 1 TD +5.7 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Colts

  • Malik Harrison
    Malik Harrison 6 REC · 85 YDS +2.9 Fantasy Impact
  • M.Pollard 4 REC · 55 YDS +2.4 Fantasy Impact
  • E.James 10 CAR · 42 YDS · 1 TD +0.6 Fantasy Impact
View Broncos vs Colts box score View all 2003 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
Denver Broncos 31–17 Indianapolis Colts
Halftime
Denver Broncos 28–17 Indianapolis Colts at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Jack Plummer
Top passer
Paul Manning
Biggest EPA play
(13:08) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 22-Q.Griffin INTERCEPTED by 58-G.Brackett at DEN 31…
Game date
2003-12-21

Game summary

The Denver Broncos beat the Indianapolis Colts 31–17 on 2003-12-21. Jack Plummer posted a game-high +18.37 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q4——T
Denver Broncos141430031
Indianapolis Colts71000017

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

DENDenver Broncos
INDIndianapolis Colts

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

14 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q1 13:08TD
    GBG. Brackett

    Points+6

    Yard line
    IND 70
    Score
    0-6

    (13:08) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 22-Q.Griffin INTERCEPTED by 58-G.Brackett at DEN 31. 58-G.Brackett for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q1 12:59XP
    MVM. Vanderjagt

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    0-7

    13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.

  3. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 9:59TD
    MAM. Anderson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    IND 2
    Score
    6-7

    (9:59) 38-M.Anderson right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 9:55XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    IND 2
    Score
    7-7

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.

  5. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 2:11TD
    Jack Plummer

    Points+6

    Yard line
    IND 6
    Score
    13-7

    (2:11) 16-J.Plummer up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  6. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 2:06XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    IND 2
    Score
    14-7

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.

  7. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q2 14:16TD
    EJE. James

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 16
    Score
    14-13

    (14:16) (Shotgun) 32-E.James right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q2 14:10XP
    MVM. Vanderjagt

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 2
    Score
    14-14

    13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.

  9. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 6:22TD
    Jack Plummer

    Points+6

    Yard line
    IND 1
    Score
    20-14

    (6:22) 16-J.Plummer up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 6:20XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    IND 2
    Score
    21-14

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.

  11. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 1:18TD
    Ryan Smith

    Points+6

    Yard line
    IND 15
    Score
    27-14

    (1:18) 16-J.Plummer pass to 80-R.Smith for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 1:11XP
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+1

    Yard line
    IND 2
    Score
    28-14

    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.

  13. INDIndianapolis Colts
    Q2 0:08FG
    MVM. Vanderjagt

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 22
    Score
    28-17

    (:08) 13-M.Vanderjagt 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.

  14. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 4:30FG
    JEJ. Elam

    Points+3

    Yard line
    IND 6
    Score
    31-17

    (4:30) 1-J.Elam 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Jack PlummerJack Plummer · Denver Broncos · Passing · +18.37 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
  2. 2A. Lelie · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +10.38 total EPA · 5 snaps · +2.08 EPA/play
  3. 3Ryan SmithRyan Smith · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +5.72 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.43 EPA/play
  4. 4Q. Griffin · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +4.38 total EPA · 28 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play
  5. 5Q. Griffin · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.18 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.18 EPA/play
  6. 6S. Sharpe · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.96 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.48 EPA/play
  7. 7Malik HarrisonMalik Harrison · Indianapolis Colts · Receiving · +2.90 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
  8. 8E. McCaffrey · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.68 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.68 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Jack Plummer

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Jack Plummer — DEN · Passing

Jack Plummer posted the highest total EPA (+18.37) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Denver Broncos. Across 19 counted snaps, they averaged +0.97 EPA per play.

Jack Plummer's top snap (-6.56 EPA): (13:08) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 22-Q.Griffin INTERCEPTED by 58-G.Brackett at DEN 31. 58-G.Brackett for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Paul Manning led all passers in efficiency for Indianapolis Colts, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Paul Manning (Indianapolis Colts) · 28 dropbacks · 42.9% completion · -0.23 EPA/play · -6.36 total EPA
  • Jack PlummerJack Plummer (Denver Broncos) · 19 dropbacks · 73.7% completion · +0.97 EPA/play · +18.37 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatDenver BroncosIndianapolis Colts
Offensive EPA/play+0.153-0.096
Offensive success rate52.8%40.7%
Pass EPA/play+0.897-0.180
Rush EPA/play+0.055-0.016
Defensive EPA/play+0.096-0.153
Defensive success rate59.3%47.2%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Denver Broncos generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs -0.10), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Denver Broncos: +0.15 EPA/play (88th percentile vs. 2003 team-game averages)
  • Indianapolis Colts: -0.10 EPA/play (31st percentile vs. 2003 team-game averages)
  • Denver Broncos: 10 drives, +13.58 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Indianapolis Colts: 9 drives, -5.66 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Indianapolis Colts — G. Brackett (Q1 13:08)
  • Denver Broncos — M. Anderson (Q1 9:59)
  • Jack PlummerDenver Broncos — Jack Plummer (Q1 2:11)
  • Indianapolis Colts — E. James (Q2 14:16)
  • Jack PlummerDenver Broncos — Jack Plummer (Q2 6:22)
  • Ryan SmithDenver Broncos — Ryan Smith (Jack Plummer pass) (Q2 1:18)

Field goals

  • Indianapolis Colts — M. Vanderjagt (Q2 0:08)
  • Denver Broncos — J. Elam (Q4 4:30)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–7. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the IND 70 (Q1 13:08) — (13:08) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 22-Q.Griffin INTERCEPTED by 58-G.Brackett at DEN 31. 58-G.Brackett for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q1 12:59) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the IND 2 (Q1 9:59) — (9:59) 38-M.Anderson right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q1 9:55) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the IND 6 (Q1 2:11) — (2:11) 16-J.Plummer up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q1 2:06) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr..

The second quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–10. Indianapolis Colts found the end zone from the DEN 16 (Q2 14:16) — (14:16) (Shotgun) 32-E.James right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Indianapolis Colts added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 14:10) — 13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the IND 1 (Q2 6:22) — (6:22) 16-J.Plummer up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q2 6:20) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the IND 15 (Q2 1:18) — (1:18) 16-J.Plummer pass to 80-R.Smith for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the IND 2 (Q2 1:11) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.; Indianapolis Colts connected on a field goal from the DEN 22 (Q2 0:08) — (:08) 13-M.Vanderjagt 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith..

The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 3–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the IND 6 (Q4 4:30) — (4:30) 1-J.Elam 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Denver Broncos (Q1 13:08) — (13:08) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 22-Q.Griffin INTERCEPTED by 58-G.Brackett at DEN 31. 58-G.Brackett for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -15.5% · EPA -6.56]
  • Denver Broncos (Q1 4:47) — (4:47) 16-J.Plummer pass to 22-Q.Griffin to IND 3 for 24 yards (27-D.Macklin, 21-W.Harris). [WPA +10.3% · EPA +3.18]
  • Indianapolis Colts (Q2 14:16) — (14:16) (Shotgun) 32-E.James right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +10.1% · EPA +2.48]
  • Denver Broncos (Q1 7:10) — (7:10) 16-J.Plummer pass to 84-S.Sharpe pushed ob at IND 28 for 26 yards (30-D.Strickland). [WPA +10.0% · EPA +2.48]
  • Denver Broncos (Q2 10:43) — (10:43) 16-J.Plummer pass to 85-A.Lelie to IND 30 for 19 yards (27-D.Macklin). [WPA +8.5% · EPA +2.30]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Denver Broncos (Q1 13:08) — (13:08) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 22-Q.Griffin INTERCEPTED by 58-G.Brackett at DEN 31. 58-G.Brackett for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -15.5% · EPA -6.56]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 0:29) — (:29) 16-J.Plummer kneels to IND 6 for -1 yards. [EPA -4.55]
  • Denver Broncos (Q1 12:53) — (12:53) 16-J.Plummer pass to 85-A.Lelie to IND 15 for 60 yards (30-D.Strickland, 21-W.Harris). DEN - Lelie (85) injured on play. [WPA +7.5% · EPA +4.45]
  • Denver Broncos (Q3 0:14) — (:14) 38-M.Anderson left tackle to IND 1 for no gain (53-M.Washington, 92-C.Bratzke). [WPA -4.2% · EPA -4.08]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q1 13:08 · IND 70 · Score 0-6
    (13:08) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 22-Q.Griffin INTERCEPTED by 58-G.Brackett at DEN 31. 58-G.Brackett for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q1 12:59 · DEN 2 · Score 0-7
    13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
  3. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 9:59 · IND 2 · Score 6-7
    (9:59) 38-M.Anderson right tackle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 9:55 · IND 2 · Score 7-7
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.
  5. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 2:11 · IND 6 · Score 13-7
    (2:11) 16-J.Plummer up the middle for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  6. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 2:06 · IND 2 · Score 14-7
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.
  7. Indianapolis Colts TD (+6) — Q2 14:16 · DEN 16 · Score 14-13
    (14:16) (Shotgun) 32-E.James right end for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Indianapolis Colts XP (+1) — Q2 14:10 · DEN 2 · Score 14-14
    13-M.Vanderjagt extra point is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
  9. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 6:22 · IND 1 · Score 20-14
    (6:22) 16-J.Plummer up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 6:20 · IND 2 · Score 21-14
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.
  11. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 1:18 · IND 15 · Score 27-14
    (1:18) 16-J.Plummer pass to 80-R.Smith for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 1:11 · IND 2 · Score 28-14
    1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.
  13. Indianapolis Colts FG (+3) — Q2 0:08 · DEN 22 · Score 28-17
    (:08) 13-M.Vanderjagt 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-J.Snow, Holder-17-H.Smith.
  14. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 4:30 · IND 6 · Score 31-17
    (4:30) 1-J.Elam 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-4-M.Knorr.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Denver Broncos earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • Jack Plummer (Denver Broncos) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts on 2003-12-21?

The Denver Broncos beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17 in Week 16, 2003.

What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts?

Q1: Denver Broncos 14, Indianapolis Colts 7; Q2: Denver Broncos 14, Indianapolis Colts 10; Q4: Denver Broncos 3, Indianapolis Colts 0; Final: Denver Broncos 31, Indianapolis Colts 17.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts?

Indianapolis Colts touchdown — G. Brackett (Q1 13:08) Denver Broncos touchdown — M. Anderson (Q1 9:59) Denver Broncos touchdown — J. Plummer (Q1 2:11) Indianapolis Colts touchdown — E. James (Q2 14:16) Denver Broncos touchdown — J. Plummer (Q2 6:22) Denver Broncos touchdown — R. Smith (J. Plummer pass) (Q2 1:18) Indianapolis Colts field goal — M. Vanderjagt (Q2 0:08, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q4 4:30, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts?

Paul Manning (Indianapolis Colts), 42.9% completion, -0.23 EPA per dropback, -6.36 total passing EPA. Jack Plummer (Denver Broncos), 73.7% completion, +0.97 EPA per dropback, +18.37 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Denver Broncos vs Indianapolis Colts?

Jack Plummer (Denver Broncos) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +18.37 total EPA on Passing plays. across 19 snaps. Their top snap (-6.56 EPA): (13:08) 16-J.Plummer pass intended for 22-Q.Griffin INTERCEPTED by 58-G.Brackett at DEN 31. 58-G.Brackett for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Denver Broncos

Entered 9-5 Now 10-5 W

Indianapolis Colts

Entered 11-3 Now 11-4 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

More 2003 game recaps

Week 16 · Dec 22, 2003

Green Bay Packers vs Las Vegas Raiders

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 21, 2003

Washington Commanders vs Chicago Bears

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 21, 2003

Tennessee Titans vs Houston Texans

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 21, 2003

San Francisco 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 21, 2003

Los Angeles Chargers vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Read full recap →

Week 16 · Dec 21, 2003

New York Giants vs Dallas Cowboys

Read full recap →