Colts break record with 22nd straight regular-season win

INDIANAPOLIS -- Even Peyton Manning's inconsistency couldn't derail history for the Indianapolis Colts.

Or preserve the NFL record of the New England Patriots.

Manning was sensational, throwing three TD passes in the first 23 minutes, then mediocre, getting picked off three times in the Colts' 28-16 victory over Denver for their 22nd consecutive regular-season win. While Manning struggled late, the defense held off the Broncos as Indy broke the Patriots' record victory streak set just last year.

The Colts are one of seven NFL teams to go 13-0, including this year's New Orleans Saints. The 2005 Colts also were 13-0 before losing three of their last four, including a divisonal-round playoff game to Pittsburgh.

"We knew we needed this game to solidify home-field advantage in the playoffs, and that's what we wanted," linebacker Clint Session said. "We feel we're our best in our home stadium, and we got the win."

Colts tight end Dallas Clark makes a touchdown catch in front of Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard during the second quarter Sunday in Indianapolis. (DARRON CUMMINGS ~ Associated Press)

The Colts (13-0) clinched home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs.

Denver's Brandon Marshall broke the NFL's single-game record with 21 catches.

Manning led Indy to touchdowns on three of its first four drives, then somehow lost his touch. After completing 10 of 16 throws in the first quarter, Manning went just 6 of 22 over the next two-plus quarters, once missing nine of 10 passes while throwing all three interceptions.

-- The Associated Press