Colts at Broncos final score: Peyton Manning, Denver topple Indianpolis 31-24

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) reacts to his touchdown in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High . Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) reacts to his touchdown in the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High . Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos started its 2014 NFL campaign on the right foot, defeating the Indianapolis Colts 31-24 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday night.

The Broncos offense came alive in the second quarter after coming away with just a Brandon McManus field goal during the game’s first 15 minutes. Quarterback Peyton Manning connected with tight end Julius Thomas on a whopping three second quarter touchdowns.

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck helped cut Indy’s deficit to 24-7 thanks to a 9-yard scoring rush with 28 seconds left in the second quarter. The Colts were able to get within two possessions thanks to an Adam Vinateri field goal in the third, but a Montee Ball rushing touchdown for Denver with 9:54 left in the fourth pushed Denver’s lead to a seemingly insurmountable 31-10.

However, Indy kept on fighting. The Colts responded with a Luck touchdown pass to tight end Dwyane Allen with 7:46 left and another Luck strike for six to receiver Hakeem Nicks to make it a one-score game at 31-24 with 3:26 to go.

Ultimately, the Broncos were able to hold the Colts off the scoreboard the rest of the way and squeak away with the win thanks to great coverage from rookie cornerback Bradley Roby on the Colts’ final play.

Manning finished the game with 269 passing yards and three touchdowns on 22-36 passing. Ball was Denver’s top rusher with 67 yards and a score on 23 carries and Thomas was the team’s top wideout with seven catches for 104 yards and three touchdowns.

On the other side, Luck finished with 370 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 35-52 passing. Trent Richardson was the top runner for Indy with just 20 yards on six carries and Reggie Wayne hauled in nine catches for 98 yards to lead the way through the air.

The Broncos next game comes next Sunday at home against the Kansas City Chiefs, while Indy will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at home next Monday night.