The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Denver Broncos 29–28 on September 14, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Week 2 NFL matchup ended with a dramatic 45-yard field goal by Spencer Shrader as time expired, giving the Colts a one-point victory and a 2–0 start to the 2025 season. Denver, meanwhile, left Indianapolis with a 1–1 record despite scoring four touchdowns.
The Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos match player stats highlight strong performances from quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Jonathan Taylor. Jones threw for 316 yards and one touchdown without an interception, while Taylor rushed for 165 yards and added a receiving touchdown. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix threw three touchdown passes, but Indianapolis’ more productive offense and reliable late-game kicking made the difference.
This article covers the final score, complete player statistics, passing and rushing performances, receiving leaders, quarter-by-quarter scoring, team comparisons, and the key moments that decided the game.
Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos Box Score
The Colts won 29–28 after trailing Denver during the second half. Indianapolis produced 473 total net yards compared with Denver’s 324, giving the home team a considerable advantage in offensive production.
| Game Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos |
| Date | September 14, 2025 |
| NFL season | 2025, Week 2 |
| Venue | Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis |
| Final score | Colts 29, Broncos 28 |
| Colts head coach | Shane Steichen |
| Broncos head coach | Sean Payton |
| Winning team | Indianapolis Colts |
| Game-winning play | Spencer Shrader’s 45-yard field goal |
| Colts record after game | 2–0 |
| Broncos record after game | 1–1 |
The result was particularly important for Indianapolis because the team began the season with consecutive victories for the first time since 2009. Denver had enough offensive success to remain competitive, but the Colts finished the game with the decisive score.
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Colts vs Broncos Score by Quarter
The scoring breakdown shows how the Broncos built their lead and how Indianapolis gradually worked its way back into the game.
| Quarter | Denver Broncos | Indianapolis Colts |
|---|---|---|
| First quarter | 7 | 6 |
| Second quarter | 14 | 14 |
| Third quarter | 7 | 3 |
| Fourth quarter | 0 | 6 |
| Final score | 28 | 29 |
Denver scored seven points in the opening quarter, then added 14 more in the second. The Broncos entered halftime with a 21–20 advantage after both teams found ways to score through the air and on the ground.
The third quarter gave Denver another touchdown, extending its lead to 28–20. Indianapolis responded with a field goal to make it 28–23. In the fourth quarter, Shrader converted another field goal before delivering the winning kick at the final whistle.
The Colts scored nine points in the fourth quarter and prevented Denver from adding to its total. That late-game difference ultimately decided the matchup.
Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats
Quarterback statistics
The quarterback comparison shows two different paths to offensive production. Jones accumulated more passing yards and avoided turnovers, while Nix threw three touchdown passes to keep Denver ahead for much of the contest.
| Statistic | Daniel Jones (Colts) | Bo Nix (Broncos) |
|---|---|---|
| Completions | 23 | 22 |
| Pass attempts | 34 | 30 |
| Completion percentage | 67.6% | 73.3% |
| Passing yards | 316 | 206 |
| Passing touchdowns | 1 | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 | 1 |
| Sacks taken | 1 | 0 |
| Rushing attempts | 6 | 3 |
| Rushing yards | 2 | 20 |
| Rushing touchdowns | 1 | 0 |
Daniel Jones’ performance
Daniel Jones delivered an efficient and productive performance for Indianapolis. He completed 23 of 34 passes for 316 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions. His passing total helped the Colts generate more offensive yardage than Denver.
Jones also contributed on the ground, scoring on a one-yard run in the second quarter. That rushing touchdown gave Indianapolis an important scoring option beyond its passing attack.
His connection with the Colts’ receiving group helped sustain drives and create opportunities throughout the game. Jones also threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Taylor before halftime, helping Indianapolis remain within one point at the break.
Although Jones did not match Nix’s passing touchdown total, his yardage production and turnover-free passing were valuable in a close contest. His contribution was especially important because the Colts needed consistent offense to recover from Denver’s third-quarter touchdown.
Bo Nix’s performance
Bo Nix completed 22 of 30 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. His completion rate was approximately 73.3%, and he did not take a sack in the game.
Nix threw touchdown passes to Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and Adam Trautman. These scoring plays helped Denver build a 21–20 halftime lead and later extend it to 28–20.
Nix also rushed three times for 20 yards, adding mobility to the Broncos’ offense. His three passing touchdowns were an important reason Denver stayed competitive despite producing fewer total yards than Indianapolis.
The key difference was that Nix threw one interception, while Jones protected the football. In a game decided by a single point, avoiding a turnover helped Indianapolis maintain its opportunity to win.
Rushing Statistics: Jonathan Taylor Leads Indianapolis
The ground game was one of the Colts’ biggest advantages. Indianapolis recorded 167 net rushing yards, compared with 118 for Denver. Taylor was the leading rusher on either team and repeatedly provided the Colts with productive runs.
Colts rushing stats
| Player | Carries | Rushing yards | Average | Longest run | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Taylor | 25 | 165 | 6.6 | 68 | 0 |
| Daniel Jones | 6 | 2 | 0.3 | 2 | 1 |
| Tyler Warren | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| Team total | 32 | 167 | 5.2 | 68 | 1 |
Jonathan Taylor’s performance
Jonathan Taylor was the standout runner in the Colts vs Broncos matchup. He carried the ball 25 times for 165 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 68 yards, demonstrating his ability to turn a routine rushing opportunity into a significant gain.
Taylor also caught two passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. His seven-yard touchdown reception from Jones late in the second quarter helped Indianapolis close the gap before halftime.
Taylor’s combined rushing and receiving production made him one of the most influential players in the game. He finished with 215 yards from scrimmage and one receiving touchdown.
His performance helped Indianapolis establish a balanced offense, forcing Denver to account for both the running game and the passing attack. The Colts’ 167 rushing yards also gave them an advantage in total offensive production.
Broncos rushing stats
| Player | Carries | Rushing yards | Average | Longest run | Rushing TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J.K. Dobbins | 14 | 76 | 5.4 | 23 | 1 |
| Bo Nix | 3 | 20 | 6.7 | 18 | 0 |
| Troy Franklin | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 11 | 0 |
| R.J. Harvey | 5 | 8 | 1.6 | 3 | 0 |
| Tyler Badie | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 3 | 0 |
| Team total | 24 | 118 | 4.9 | 23 | 1 |
J.K. Dobbins led Denver’s rushing attack with 76 yards on 14 carries and a touchdown. His five-yard scoring run in the third quarter gave the Broncos a 28–20 lead.
Nix added 20 rushing yards, while Franklin contributed an 11-yard run. However, Denver did not match Taylor’s overall rushing production, and the Colts finished with 49 more net rushing yards.
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Receiving Statistics: Colts vs Broncos
The receiving numbers reveal several important contributors on both sides. Denver spread its touchdown passes among three players, while Indianapolis relied on several receivers to move the ball downfield.
Indianapolis Colts receiving stats
| Player | Receptions | Receiving yards | Average | Longest reception | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Warren | 4 | 79 | 19.8 | 41 | 0 |
| Alec Pierce | 4 | 68 | 17.0 | 44 | 0 |
| Josh Downs | 6 | 51 | 8.5 | 19 | 0 |
| Jonathan Taylor | 2 | 50 | 25.0 | 43 | 1 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | 4 | 40 | 10.0 | 12 | 0 |
| Adonai Mitchell | 2 | 20 | 10.0 | 12 | 0 |
| Mo Alie-Cox | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 8 | 0 |
Tyler Warren and Alec Pierce
Tyler Warren led Indianapolis in receiving yards with 79 on four catches. His longest reception covered 41 yards, and his average of 19.8 yards per catch showed how effectively he gained ground when targeted.
Alec Pierce also made a significant contribution, catching four passes for 68 yards. His longest reception went for 44 yards, providing Indianapolis with another downfield option.
Josh Downs led the Colts in receptions with six, collecting 51 yards. Michael Pittman Jr. added four catches for 40 yards, while Adonai Mitchell recorded two receptions for 20 yards.
Taylor’s two catches for 50 yards were especially valuable because one resulted in a touchdown. Together, these contributions gave Jones several options and helped Indianapolis finish with 316 gross passing yards.
Denver Broncos receiving stats
| Player | Receptions | Receiving yards | Average | Longest reception | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy Franklin | 8 | 89 | 11.1 | 42 | 1 |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | 2 | 24 | 12.0 | 23 | 1 |
| Tyler Badie | 2 | 19 | 9.5 | 19 | 0 |
| Pat Bryant | 2 | 18 | 9.0 | 12 | 0 |
| R.J. Harvey | 1 | 16 | 16.0 | 16 | 0 |
| Evan Engram | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 12 | 0 |
| Adam Trautman | 3 | 10 | 3.3 | 7 | 1 |
| J.K. Dobbins | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 9 | 0 |
| Courtland Sutton | 1 | 6 | 6.0 | 6 | 0 |
| Trent Sherfield | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 3 | 0 |
Troy Franklin was Denver’s leading receiver, finishing with eight receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown. He provided Nix with a reliable target and helped the Broncos maintain their scoring pace.
Marvin Mims Jr. caught two passes for 24 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. Adam Trautman added three catches for 10 yards and a two-yard touchdown.
Although Denver’s receivers helped produce three passing touchdowns, the team’s total passing yardage remained well below Indianapolis’ figure. The difference in overall yardage was a major feature of the final box score.
Field-Goal Statistics and Special Teams
Spencer Shrader was central to Indianapolis’ victory. He converted all five of his field-goal attempts, including the decisive 45-yard kick as time expired.
| Colts scoring kick | Distance | Result |
|---|---|---|
| First-quarter field goal | 29 yards | Good |
| First-quarter field goal | 33 yards | Good |
| Third-quarter field goal | 36 yards | Good |
| Fourth-quarter field goal | 28 yards | Good |
| Final play field goal | 45 yards | Good |
Shrader’s five successful field goals accounted for 15 points. His reliability became increasingly important as Indianapolis tried to close the gap without giving Denver another opportunity to respond.
Denver kicker Wil Lutz converted all four extra-point attempts after the Broncos’ four touchdowns. However, Denver did not record a successful field goal, while Indianapolis converted five.
That difference in kicking production was decisive. The Colts combined two touchdowns with five field goals to reach 29 points, while Denver scored four touchdowns and four extra points for 28.
Complete Team Statistics: Colts vs Broncos
The team statistics explain why Indianapolis won despite Denver scoring more touchdowns. The Colts gained more yards, recorded more first downs, and held possession for longer. Denver, however, was more efficient in the red zone, converting all three of its opportunities.
| Team statistic | Broncos | Colts |
|---|---|---|
| Total first downs | 23 | 26 |
| Passing first downs | 11 | 16 |
| Rushing first downs | 7 | 6 |
| First downs by penalty | 5 | 4 |
| Total offensive plays | 54 | 67 |
| Total net yards | 324 | 473 |
| Net passing yards | 206 | 306 |
| Gross passing yards | 206 | 316 |
| Net rushing yards | 118 | 167 |
| Yards per play | 6.0 | 7.1 |
| Third-down conversions | 4 of 9 | 6 of 13 |
| Fourth-down conversions | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 |
| Red-zone conversions | 3 of 3 | 2 of 6 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Penalties | 8 for 83 yards | 11 for 68 yards |
| Time of possession | 27:53 | 32:07 |
| Field goals made | 0 of 1 | 5 of 5 |
| Final score | 28 | 29 |
Source: Official NFL final team statistics.
One important detail concerns passing yards. Jones threw for 316 gross passing yards, but Indianapolis finished with 306 net passing yards after accounting for a 10-yard sack. Both numbers are correct; they measure different things.
What the team numbers reveal
Indianapolis ran 67 offensive plays compared with Denver’s 54. That gave the Colts more opportunities to advance the ball and keep their offense on the field. They also averaged 7.1 yards per play, compared with Denver’s 6.0.
Denver’s red-zone performance was better, with three touchdowns in three opportunities. Indianapolis converted only two of six red-zone trips into touchdowns, making Shrader’s five field goals especially important.
The Colts also committed more penalties by count, with 11 for 68 yards, compared with Denver’s eight for 83 yards. Nevertheless, Indianapolis finished with more total yards, more first downs, and the only successful field goals of the game.
Colts vs Broncos Scoring Plays: Full Game Timeline
The scoring timeline shows how the lead changed throughout the contest.
| Quarter and time remaining | Team | Scoring play | Score after play (DEN–IND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1, 11:51 | Colts | Shrader 29-yard field goal | 0–3 |
| Q1, 8:24 | Broncos | Mims 23-yard TD reception from Nix | 7–3 |
| Q1, 4:19 | Colts | Shrader 33-yard field goal | 7–6 |
| Q2, 14:12 | Colts | Jones 1-yard rushing TD | 7–13 |
| Q2, 10:42 | Broncos | Franklin 3-yard TD reception from Nix | 14–13 |
| Q2, 3:03 | Broncos | Trautman 2-yard TD reception from Nix | 21–13 |
| Q2, 1:31 | Colts | Taylor 7-yard TD reception from Jones | 21–20 |
| Q3, 11:13 | Broncos | Dobbins 5-yard rushing TD | 28–20 |
| Q3, 5:42 | Colts | Shrader 36-yard field goal | 28–23 |
| Q4, 8:33 | Colts | Shrader 28-yard field goal | 28–26 |
| Q4, 0:00 | Colts | Shrader 45-yard field goal | 28–29 |
The first half featured several lead changes, with Denver taking a 21–20 advantage into halftime. The Broncos extended that advantage to eight points with Dobbins’ third-quarter rushing touchdown.
Indianapolis responded with three field goals in the second half. Shrader’s 36-yard kick reduced the deficit, his 28-yard kick brought the Colts within two, and his final 45-yard attempt completed the comeback.
The final score was not the result of a single offensive touchdown drive. Instead, Indianapolis combined its yardage advantage with consistent kicking to overcome Denver’s touchdown-heavy scoring.
Why the Indianapolis Colts Won
1. Greater offensive production
The Colts gained 473 total net yards, 149 more than Denver’s 324. Taylor’s 165 rushing yards and Jones’ 316 gross passing yards helped Indianapolis move the ball effectively in different ways.
The additional offensive production also contributed to the Colts’ advantage in first downs and time of possession. Indianapolis held the ball for 32 minutes and seven seconds, compared with Denver’s 27 minutes and 53 seconds.
2. Jonathan Taylor’s all-around impact
Taylor finished with 165 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards. His 215 yards from scrimmage gave Indianapolis a major offensive advantage, while his touchdown reception helped keep the game close before halftime.
His long runs and receiving contribution forced Denver to defend multiple types of plays rather than concentrating entirely on Jones’ passing.
3. Turnover-free passing from Daniel Jones
Jones did not throw an interception, while Nix threw one. Although Nix had more passing touchdowns, Jones produced 110 more gross passing yards.
In a game decided by one point, protecting possession was an important part of Indianapolis’ success.
4. Spencer Shrader’s perfect field-goal performance
Shrader converted five field goals from 29, 33, 36, 28, and 45 yards. His final kick secured the victory as the clock expired.
Indianapolis’ 15 points from field goals were crucial because the Colts scored only two offensive touchdowns. Denver scored four touchdowns but did not convert a field goal.
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Conclusion
The Indianapolis Colts vs Denver Broncos match player stats tell the story of a close NFL contest decided by offensive production and special teams. Denver’s Bo Nix threw three touchdown passes, and J.K. Dobbins added a rushing touchdown, but the Broncos could not protect their eight-point third-quarter lead.
Daniel Jones provided 316 passing yards without an interception, Jonathan Taylor delivered 215 yards from scrimmage, and Tyler Warren contributed 79 receiving yards. Spencer Shrader then completed a perfect five-for-five field-goal performance with the decisive kick at the final whistle.
Indianapolis won 29–28 because it produced more total yardage, maintained possession longer, and converted its late scoring opportunities. For readers reviewing the full box score, Taylor’s rushing performance, Jones’ passing efficiency, and Shrader’s game-winning kick were the defining contributions of the Colts’ Week 2 victory.
FAQs
What was the final score of the Colts vs Broncos game on September 14, 2025?
The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Denver Broncos 29–28 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Spencer Shrader kicked the winning 45-yard field goal as time expired.
How many passing yards did Daniel Jones record against Denver?
Daniel Jones threw for 316 gross passing yards, completed 23 of 34 attempts, recorded one passing touchdown, and threw no interceptions. Indianapolis finished with 306 net passing yards after accounting for a sack.
What were Bo Nix’s stats against the Colts?
Bo Nix completed 22 of 30 passes for 206 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed three times for 20 yards.
How many rushing yards did Jonathan Taylor have?
Jonathan Taylor rushed 25 times for 165 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 50 yards and one touchdown.
Who was the leading receiver in the Colts vs Broncos game?
Troy Franklin led Denver with eight receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown. Tyler Warren led Indianapolis in receiving yards with 79 on four catches.
How did Spencer Shrader win the game?
Shrader converted a 45-yard field goal as time expired. It was his fifth successful field goal of the game and gave Indianapolis the 29–28 victory.
What were the Colts and Broncos’ records after the game?
Indianapolis improved to 2–0, while Denver fell to 1–1 after the Week 2 matchup.
