# 2010 Indianapolis Colts season

The 2010 season was the Indianapolis Colts' 58th in the National Football League (NFL), their 27th in Indianapolis and their second under head coach Jim Caldwell. They looking to defend their AFC Championship title and win it all in Super Bowl XLV to end their four-year championship drought. It was also the final season with Peyton Manning as the team's starting quarterback, as he would sit out the next season due to a neck injury and would be released by Indianapolis on March 7, 2012. Manning's last game as a Colt was on January 8, 2011, a 17–16 loss to the New York Jets in the Wild Card Round and would sign with the Denver Broncos a year later, on March 20, 2012.
The Colts also clinched their ninth consecutive postseason appearance, tying the then all-time record for consecutive postseason appearances by a team with the Dallas Cowboys, who made the playoffs every season from 1975 to 1983. Though the Colts failed to win 12 or more games for the first time since 2002, the team did win the AFC South division title for the seventh time in eight seasons, but were eliminated narrowly in the Wild Card Round by the Jets.

## Offseason
### Additions

| Pos. | Player | Date | Notes |
| G | Andy Alleman | March 6, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| OL | Gerald Cadogan | January 20, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| DL | John Chick | January 8, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| WR | Dudley Guice | January 6, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| DL | Mitch King | January 23, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| CB | Terrail Lambert | February 14, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| WR | John Matthews | February 14, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| RB | Devin Moore | January 14, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| LB | Brandon Renkart | February 14, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| DE | J. D. Skolnitsky | March 9, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| WR | Taj Smith | February 14, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| OT | Adam Terry | March 12, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| OL | Jaimie Thomas | February 14, 2010 | Signed with Colts |
| QB | Drew Willy | February 14, 2010 | Signed with Colts |

### Departures

| Pos. | Player | Date released | Date signed | 2010 team | Notes |
| DT | Raheem Brock | March 5, 2010 | August 12, 2010 | Seahawks | Released by Colts, later signed by Seahawks. |
| WR | Roy Hall | May 3, 2010 | May 12, 2010 | Saints | Released by Colts, later signed by Saints. |
| DE | Rudolph Hardie | May 4, 2010 | | | Released by Colts. |
| G | Ryan Lilja | March 8, 2010 | March 16, 2010 | Chiefs | Released by Colts, later signed by Chiefs. |
| TE | Jamie Petrowski | May 4, 2010 | May 18, 2010 | Panthers | Released by Colts, later signed by Panthers. |
| RB | Chad Simpson | April 10, 2010 | May 11, 2010 | Bills | Released by Colts, later signed by Bills. |
| QB | Jim Sorgi | March 5, 2010 | March 9, 2010 | Giants | Released by Colts, later signed by Giants. |

### Free agents

| Pos. | Player | Free agency tag | Date signed | 2010 team | Notes |
| WR | Hank Baskett | UFA | March 12, 2010 | Eagles | Colts declined to tender an offer. Later signed by Eagles. |
| FS | Antoine Bethea | RFA | June 11, 2010 | Colts | Colts offered a first–round tender. Re-signed with Colts. |
| LB | Gary Brackett | UFA | March 5, 2010 | Colts | Re–signed with Colts. |
| SS | Melvin Bullitt | RFA | April 14, 2010 | Colts | Colts offered a second–round tender. Re–signed with Colts. |
| OL | Daniel Federkeil | UFA | | | Colts declined to tender an offer. |
| FS | Aaron Francisco | UFA | April 12, 2010 | Panthers | Colts declined to tender an offer. Later signed by Panthers. Re-signed by Colts as SS. |
| LB | Tyjuan Hagler | UFA | August 10, 2010 | Seahawks | Colts declined to tender an offer. Later signed by Seahawks. |
| CB | Marlin Jackson | UFA | March 10, 2010 | Eagles | Colts declined to tender an offer. Later signed by Eagles. |
| CB | Tim Jennings | UFA | March 16, 2010 | Bears | Colts declined to tender an offer. Later signed by Bears. |
| DT | Antonio Johnson | RFA | April 17, 2010 | Colts | Colts offered a second–round tender. Re–signed with Colts. |
| OT | Charlie Johnson | RFA | April 21, 2010 | Colts | Colts offered a second–round tender. Re–signed with Colts. |
| LB | Freddy Keiaho | UFA | April 27, 2010 | Jaguars | Colts declined to tender an offer. Later signed by Jaguars. |
| DT | Daniel Muir | RFA | April 14, 2010 | Colts | Colts offered a second–round tender. Re–signed with Colts. |
| CB | T. J. Rushing | UFA | August 18, 2010 | Lions | Colts declined to tender an offer. Later signed by Lions. |
| K | Matt Stover | UFA | | | Colts declined to tender an offer. |
| OT | Michael Toudouze | UFA | August 10, 2010 | Titans | Colts declined to tender an offer. Later signed by Titans. |
| UFA: Unrestricted free agent; RFA: Restricted free agent; ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent ||||||

## 2010 NFL Draft

Having finished the season as the runner–up in the Super Bowl, the Colts held the 31st pick in each round. They had previously traded their sixth–round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles for a seventh–round pick in the 2009 NFL draft.
Indianapolis Colts 2010 NFL Draft selections :
| Draft order | Draft order | Draft order | Player | Position | Height | Weight | College | Contract | Notes |
| Round | Choice | Overall | Player | Position | Height | Weight | College | Contract | Notes |
| 1 | 31 | 31 | Jerry Hughes | DE | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 255 lb (116 kg) | TCU | | |
| 2 | 31 | 63 | Pat Angerer | ILB | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 235 lb (107 kg) | Iowa | | |
| 3 | 30 | 94 | Kevin Thomas | CB | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | USC | | |
| 4 | 31 | 129 | Jacques McClendon | G | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 324 lb (147 kg) | Tennessee | | |
| 5 | 31 | 162 | Brody Eldridge | TE | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 265 lb (120 kg) | Oklahoma | | |
| 6 | 31 | 200 | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles | Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles |
| 7 | 31 | 238 | Ricardo Mathews | DL | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 294 lb (133 kg) | Cincinnati | | |
| 7 | 33 | 240 | Kavell Conner | OLB | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 240 lb (109 kg) | Clemson | | Compensatory selection |
| 7 | 39 | 246 | Ray Fisher | CB/KR | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | Indiana | | Compensatory selection |

### Undrafted free agents

2010 Undrafted Free Agents of note :
| Player | Position | College |
| David Caldwell | Safety | William & Mary |
| Jeffrey Linkenbach | Guard | Cincinnati |
| Brett Swenson | Kicker | Michigan State |
| Blair White | Wide Receiver | Michigan State |

## Preseason
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | August 15 | San Francisco 49ers | L 17–37 | 0–1 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | August 19 | at Buffalo Bills | L 21–34 | 0–2 | Rogers Centre | Recap |
| 3 | August 26 | at Green Bay Packers | L 24–59 | 0–3 | Lambeau Field | Recap |
| 4 | September 2 | Cincinnati Bengals | L 28–30 | 0–4 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Game site | NFL.com recap |
| 1 | September 12 | at Houston Texans | L 24–34 | 0–1 | Reliant Stadium | Recap |
| 2 | September 19 | New York Giants | W 38–14 | 1–1 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 3 | September 26 | at Denver Broncos | W 27–13 | 2–1 | INVESCO Field at Mile High | Recap |
| 4 | October 3 | at Jacksonville Jaguars | L 28–31 | 2–2 | EverBank Field | Recap |
| 5 | October 10 | Kansas City Chiefs | W 19–9 | 3–2 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 6 | October 17 | at Washington Redskins | W 27–24 | 4–2 | FedExField | Recap |
| 7 | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye | Bye |
| 8 | November 1 | Houston Texans | W 30–17 | 5–2 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 9 | November 7 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 24–26 | 5–3 | Lincoln Financial Field | Recap |
| 10 | November 14 | Cincinnati Bengals | W 23–17 | 6–3 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 11 | November 21 | at New England Patriots | L 28–31 | 6–4 | Gillette Stadium | Recap |
| 12 | November 28 | San Diego Chargers | L 14–36 | 6–5 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 13 | December 5 | Dallas Cowboys | L 35–38 (OT) | 6–6 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 14 | December 9 | at Tennessee Titans | W 30–28 | 7–6 | LP Field | Recap |
| 15 | December 19 | Jacksonville Jaguars | W 34–24 | 8–6 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |
| 16 | December 26 | at Oakland Raiders | W 31–26 | 9–6 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | Recap |
| 17 | January 2 | Tennessee Titans | W 23–20 | 10–6 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |

### Standings

AFC South :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| $^{(3)}$ Indianapolis Colts | 10 | 6 | 0 | .625 | 4–2 | 8–4 | 445 | 388 | W4 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 8 | 8 | 0 | .500 | 3–3 | 7–5 | 351 | 419 | L3 |
| Houston Texans | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 3–3 | 4–8 | 390 | 427 | W1 |
| Tennessee Titans | 6 | 10 | 0 | .375 | 2–4 | 3–9 | 356 | 339 | L2 |

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: at Houston Texans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 0 | 10 | 0 | 14 | 24 |
| Texans | 6 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 34 |
at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
* Date: September 12
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 70,974
* Referee: Ed Hochuli
* TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
HOU – Neil Rackers 30-yard field goal, Texans 3–0, Drive: 9 plays, 19 yards, 3:40.
HOU – Neil Rackers 49-yard field goal, Texans 6–0, Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 1:19.
Second quarter
HOU – Kevin Walter 22-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 13–0, Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:44.
IND – Reggie Wayne 14-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Texans 13–7, Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 2:53.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 20-yard field goal, Texans 13–10, Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 3:35.
Third quarter
HOU – Arian Foster 1-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 20–10, Drive: 15 plays, 66 yards, 7:57.
Fourth quarter
HOU – Arian Foster 25-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 27–10, Drive: 4 plays, 91 yards, 1:57.
IND – Dallas Clark 10-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Texans 27–17, Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 3:49.
HOU – Arian Foster 8-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), Texans 34–17, Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 2:56.
IND – Austin Collie 73-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Texans 34–24, Drive: 2 plays, 77 yards, 0:41.
Top passers
IND – Peyton Manning – 40/57, 433 yards, 3 touchdowns
HOU – Matt Schaub – 9/17, 107 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
Top rushers
IND – Joseph Addai – 10 rushes, 44 yards
HOU – Arian Foster – 33 rushes, 231 yards, 3 touchdowns
Top receivers
IND – Austin Collie – 11 receptions, 163 yards, 1 touchdown
HOU – Andre Johnson – 3 receptions, 33 yards :
The Colts began their season at Reliant Stadium in an AFC South duel against the Houston Texans. Indianapolis started the season going 3-and-out on their first offensive possession of the new year. The Texans got good field position with a big punt return from Jacoby Jones to set up a 30-yard field goal to give them a 3–0 lead. The offense continued to struggle throughout the first half, getting two first downs on the next drive, however, eventually having to punt. The Texans continued to show energy on both offense and defense by scoring two more time, a field goal and a touchdown, giving the Texans a 13–0 lead halfway through the second quarter. The Colts eventually got the offense going late in the second quarter by scoring on a touchdown reception by Reggie Wayne, which broke the lead down to one possession. Adam Vinatieri made a 20-yard field goal at the end of the first half and the Colts went into the half trailing 13–10. The momentum was seemingly shifting to Indianapolis, until Houston took almost eight minutes off the third quarter clock on a 15-play drive, 13 rushes, that resulted in one of Arian Foster's rushing touchdowns on the day to give Houston a 20–10 lead. Peyton Manning and the offense struggled throughout the third quarter with missed opportunities and continued to shoot themselves in the foot with penalties. With the start of the fourth quarter Houston scored another touchdown and broke the game open. The Colts would eventually score two touchdowns late in the game, only when there was no chance of a comeback.
With the final score 34–24, the Colts were 0–1 to start a season for the first time since 2008, when they lost to the Chicago Bears.

#### Week 2: vs. New York Giants

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Giants | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 |
| Colts | 7 | 17 | 7 | 7 | 38 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: September 19
* Game time: 8:20 PM EDT
* Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C) (Clear)
* Game attendance: 67,275
* Referee: Bill Leavy
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Andrea Kremer
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – (8:21) Donald Brown 7-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:44. (Colts 7–0)
Second quarter
IND – (9:43) Dallas Clark 50-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Drive: 8 plays, 98 yards, 4:24. (Colts 14–0)
IND – (5:05) Adam Vinatieri 38-yard field goal, Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 4:26. (Colts 17–0)
IND – (0:14) Austin Collie 3-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 0:58. (Colts 24–0)
Third quarter
NYG – (10:53) Mario Manningham 54-yard reception from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), Drive: 8 plays, 87 yards, 4:16. (Colts 24–7)
IND – (6:35) Fili Moala 1-yard fumble return (Adam Vinatieri kick), (Colts 31–7).
Fourth quarter
IND – (9:18) Reggie Wayne 10-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:02. (Colts 38–7)
NYG – (1:52) Hakeem Nicks 31-yard reception from Eli Manning (Lawrence Tynes kick), Drive: 1 plays, 31 yards, 0:00. (Colts 38–14)
Top passers
NYG – Eli Manning – 13/24, 161 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
IND – Peyton Manning – 20/26, 255 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
Top rushers
NYG – Ahmad Bradshaw – 17 carries, 89 yards, 0 TD
IND – Joseph Addai – 20 carries, 92 yards, 0 TD
Top receivers
NYG – Mario Manningham – 4 receptions, 75 yards, 1 TD
IND – Reggie Wayne – 7 receptions, 96 yards, 1 TD :
The 2010 meeting between the Indianapolis Colts and the New York Giants marked the second time that the two quarterback brothers of Peyton and Eli Manning met in a football game, the last coming in 2006. The game started out good early for the Colts with a running touchdown from Donald Brown and two separate stops by the defense against the Giants. As the second quarter began the Colts kept rolling on the offensive side of the ball. Two touchdown passes during the second quarter and a field goal from Adam Vinatieri helped the Colts extend a halftime lead of 24–0. With the start of the third quarter the Giants came out and scored early on a touchdown pass to Mario Manningham from Eli Manning. With a 24–7 lead, the Colts continued to pound the Giants on defense, forcing a fumble which was returned for a touchdown. The fourth quarter continued with a touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne while the Giants eventually scored their second touchdown in the last minutes of the quarter. The Colts won the ballgame 38–14 ending their three-game regular season losing streak and improving their record on the season to 1–1.

#### Week 3: at Denver Broncos

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 27 |
| Broncos | 0 | 3 | 10 | 0 | 13 |
at INVESCO Field at Mile High; Denver, Colorado
* Date: September 26
* Game time: 4:15 PM EDT
* Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 76,401
* Referee: Alberto Riveron
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – (7:40) Adam Vinatieri 38-yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 3:11. (Colts 3–0)
IND – (1:42) Adam Vinatieri 33-yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, −1 yards, 0:53. (Colts 6–0)
Second quarter
IND – (10:42) Austin Collie 5-yard reception from Peyton Manning, (Adam Vinatieri kick). Drive: 7 plays, 26 yards, 3:00. (Colts 13–0)
DEN– (0:17) Matt Prater 25-yard field goal. Drive: 11 plays, 54 yards, 1:37. (Colts 13–3)
Third quarter
DEN – (11:50) Brandon Lloyd 48-yard reception from Kyle Orton (Matt Prater kick). Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 3:20. (Colts 13–10)
IND– (4:57) Blair White 9-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick). Drive: 10 plays, 79 yards, 4:43. (Colts 20–10)
DEN – (2:30) Matt Prater 34-yard field goal. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:27. (Colts 20–13)
Fourth quarter
IND – (4:26) Austin Collie 23-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick). Drive: 9 plays, 88 yards, 4:16. (Colts 27–13)
Top passers
IND – Peyton Manning – 27/43, 325 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT
DEN – Kyle Orton – 37/57, 476 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
IND – Joseph Addai – 13 carries, 29 yards, 0 TD
DEN – Laurence Maroney – 12 carries, 24 yards, 0 TD
Top receivers
IND – Austin Collie – 12 receptions, 171 yards, 2 TD
DEN – Brandon Lloyd – 6 receptions, 169, 1 TD :
The Colts traveled to Denver, Colorado for an AFC conference matchup with the Denver Broncos. The game started with punts by both teams on their own opening drives. The Colts then drove down the field and scored on a 38-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri. After a defensive interception set the Colts up down field, Indianapolis was forced to kick another field goal to extend their lead to 6–0 at the end of the first quarter. The Colts offense did not stop firing with the start of the second quarter, Peyton Manning threw to Austin Collie for his first touchdown of the game and gave the Colts a 13–0 lead. With the start of the second quarter the Bronco offense came alive. However, many offensive mistakes and key plays caused Denver to get points only on a late field goal by Matt Prater. At halftime, the Indianapolis Colts held the lead of 13–3. Denver received the ball first in the second half and was able to capitalize with a touchdown drive closing the game to a three-point margin. After switching possession, the Colts were able to respond with a touchdown drive that included Blair White, who was just signed from the practice squad prior to the game. Denver then scored a field goal late in the third quarter making the game a 20–13 contest heading into the fourth quarter. After defensive stops, the Colts were able to score a touchdown on another Austin Collie reception to take a commanding 27–13. The defense was able to stop the Broncos on their next possession allowing the Colts to win 27–13, and take their second straight game of the season, improving their record to 2–1.

#### Week 4: at Jacksonville Jaguars

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
| Jaguars | 7 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
at EverBank Field; Jacksonville, Florida
* Date: October 3
* Game time: 4:05 PM EDT
* Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 63,111
* Referee: Ron Winter
* TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts
* Game Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – (8:42) Joseph Addai 2-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 6:23.
JAC – (3:39) David Garrard 25-yard run (Josh Scobee kick), Tied 7–7. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:07.
Second quarter
JAC – (13:44) Maurice Jones-Drew 1-yard run (Josh Scobee kick), Jaguars 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 76 yards, 5:07.
IND – (7:45) Dallas Clark 7-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Tied 14–14. Drive: 11 plays, 85 yards, 5:59.
Third quarter
JAC – (4:42) Marcedes Lewis 15-yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick), Jaguars 21–14. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:49.
Fourth quarter
IND – (7:45) Joseph Addai 2-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Tied 21–21. Drive: 11 plays, 96 yards, 4:15.
JAC – (2:13) Maurice Jones-Drew 8-yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick), Jaguars 28–21. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 5:26.
IND – (0:52) Austin Collie 1-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Tied 28–28. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 1:21.
JAC – (0:00) Josh Scobee 59-yard field goal, Jaguars 31–28. Drive: 6 plays, 36 yards, 0:48
Top passers
JAC – David Garrard – 17/22, 163 yards, 2 TD
IND – Peyton Manning – 33/46, 352 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew – 26 rushes, 105 yards, 1 TD
IND – Joseph Addai – 16 rushes, 63 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
JAC – Mike Thomas – 5 receptions, 68 yards
IND – Reggie Wayne – 15 receptions, 196 yards :
The Indianapolis Colts came into a crucial divisional matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars, with added importance after the season opening loss to the Texans. With the first possession of the ballgame, the Colts drove down the field with a mix of pass and run plays, scoring the opening touchdown of the game. However, Jacksonville returned the favor by going 76 yards to tie the game up, and by the end of the first quarter the game was tied at 7–7. In the second quarter Maurice Jones-Drew scored on a touchdown run giving the Jaguars their first lead of the day, with the Colts eventually responded and tying the up 14–14 going into halftime. With the beginning of the second half both teams failed to score on their next possessions, with the Colts punting to the Jaguars midway through the third quarter. David Garrard threw his first touchdown pass of the day, giving the Jaguars a 21–14 lead towards the end of the third quarter. With the Colts trailing midway through the fourth quarter, Peyton Manning drove the team down the field to score on a Joseph Addai run. With the Jaguars responding and the Colts driving down the field to tie with 0:52 left, the game was a 28–28 with less than thirty seconds in the game. Jacksonville was able to get two big plays on their last drive of the game setting up Josh Scobee for a 59-yard field goal, which was good. The Indianapolis Colts started 0–2 in the AFC South for the first time following this loss, dropping out of first place and falling behind the Houston Texans.

#### Week 5: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chiefs | 0 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 9 |
| Colts | 3 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 19 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: October 10
* Game time: 1:00 PM EDT
* Game weather: Roof closed, 83 °F (28 °C) (Outdoor Weather)
* Game attendance: 66,869
* Referee: Terry McAulay
* TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes and Dan Dierdorf
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – (10:08) Adam Vinatieri 20-yard field goal. Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 4:56. (Colts 3–0)
Second quarter
IND – (9:19) Adam Vinatieri 24-yard field goal. Drive: 16 plays, 86 yards, 7:50. (Colts 6–0)
KC – (9:19) Ryan Succop 45-yard field goal. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 0:16. (Colts 6–3)
Third quarter
IND – (8:36) Adam Vinatieri 47-yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 51 yards, 4:10. (Colts 9–3)
KC – (4:40) Ryan Succop 35-yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 3:56. (Colts 9–6)
KC– (3:26) Ryan Succop 43-yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 0:18. (9–9)
Fourth quarter
IND – (14:40) Adam Vinatieri 42-yard field goal. Drive: 12 plays, 60 yards, 3:46. (Colts 12–9)
IND – (4:02) Mike Hart 11-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick) Drive: 12 plays, 71 yards, 5:33. (Colts 19–9)
Top passers
KC – Matt Cassel – 16/29, 156 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT
IND – Peyton Manning – 26/44, 244 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
KC – Jamaal Charles – 18 carries, 87 yards, 0 TD
IND – Joseph Addai 17 carries, 50 yards, 0 TD
Top receivers
KC – Tony Moeaki – 4 receptions, 50 yards, 0 TD
IND – Reggie Wayne – 6 receptions, 75 yards, 0 TD :
After losing the previous week to Jacksonville, the Indianapolis Colts came back home to Lucas Oil Stadium to battle with an undefeated Kansas City Chiefs team. The Chiefs' head coach, Todd Haley opened up the ballgame with an onside kick intended to give Kansas City the ball first. However, after it bounced less than 10 yards, the Colts received possession deep in Kansas City territory. Indianapolis was unable to capitalize on the good field position and forced Adam Vinatieri to kick a 20-yard field goal. Throughout the first quarter neither teams' offenses were able to get into a rhythm and by the end of the first quarter the Colts held a slim lead by the score of 3–0. With the start of the second quarter the offensive woes continued. The Colts were again unable to score a touchdown on good field position and were forced to kick their second field goal of the day. After a failed running play of fourth down by the Colts, the Chiefs were able to move down the field on good passes by Matt Cassel and a penalty on the Colts and were able to kick a field goal. Going into halftime, the score was 6–3 Colts. The third quarter continued to prove to be a defensive struggle. The Colts kicked another field goal midway through, however the Chiefs drove down the field to score another field goal. A Peyton Manning interception set up another field goal by the Chiefs which tied the game at 9–9. At the beginning of the fourth quarter the Colts continued their scoring ways of the day with a fourth field goal from Vinatieri. Finally with four minutes left in the ballgame, Mike Hart broke open an 11-yard run for the only touchdown of the day by both teams. The Colts won the game 19–9 and improved to 3–2 on the season. With the Chiefs loss they were not longer an undefeated team in the NFL.

#### Week 6: at Washington Redskins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 7 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 27 |
| Redskins | 7 | 0 | 10 | 7 | 24 |
at FedExField; Landover, Maryland
* Date: October 17
* Game time: 8:20 PM EST
* Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 87,883
* Referee: John Parry
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Andrea Kremer
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – (9:56) Pierre Garçon 57-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick) Drive: 1 play, 57 yards, 0:09. (Colts 7–0)
WAS – (1:29) Ryan Torain 11-yard run (Graham Gano kick) Drive: 10 plays, 89 yards, 5:22. (7–7)
Second quarter
IND – (12:44) Austin Collie 5-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick). Drive: 12 plays, 84 yards, 3:38. (Colts 14–7)
IND – (2:05) Adam Vinatieri 43-yard field goal. Drive: 9 plays, 53 yards, 3:06. (Colts 17–7)
Third quarter
WAS – (11:23) Ryan Torian 1-yard run (Graham Gano kick). Drive: 4 plays, 13 yards, 1:31. (Colts 17–14)
IND – (9:27) Joseph Addai 13-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick). Drive: 4 plays, 66 yards, 1:57. (Colts 24–14)
WAS – (3:58) Graham Gano 39-yard field goal. Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 2:13. (Colts 24–17)
Fourth quarter
IND – (8:45) Adam Vinatieri 33-yard field goal. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 4:07. (Colts 27–17)
WAS – (2:46) Keiland Williams 8-yard reception from Donovan McNabb (Graham Gano kick). Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 5:55. (Colts 27–24)
Top passers
IND – Peyton Manning – 25/38, 307 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
WAS – Donovan McNabb – 29/45, 246 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
IND – Joseph Addai 17 carries, 128 yards, 1 TD
WAS – Ryan Torain 20 carries, 100 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
IND – Pierre Garçon – 4 receptions, 103 yards, 1 TD
WAS – Santana Moss – 8 receptions, 77 yards, 0 TD :
Coming off their home win over the Chiefs, the Colts flew to FedExField for a Week 6 interconference duel with the Washington Redskins on Sunday night. Indianapolis delivered the game's opening punch as quarterback Peyton Manning found wide receiver Pierre Garçon on a 57-yard touchdown pass, but the Redskins answered with running back Ryan Torain getting a 9-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, the Colts regained the lead as Manning hooked up with wide receiver Austin Collie on a 5-yard touchdown pass, followed by kicker Adam Vinatieri booting a 43-yard field goal.
Washington began the third quarter with Torain's 1-yard touchdown run, yet Indianapolis replied with running back Joseph Addai's 13-yard touchdown run. The Redskins would continue to remain close as kicker Graham Gano got a 39-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Colts continued to add onto their lead as Vinatieri got a 33-yard field goal. Washington tried to rally as quarterback Donovan McNabb completed an 8-yard touchdown pass to running back Keiland Williams, yet Indianapolis' defense held tough to preserve the victory. With the win, the Colts improved to 4–2 and remained in a tie atop the AFC South division.
With about nine and a half minutes left in the second quarter, Peyton Manning suffered a painful hit from two Redskins defenders in which his back and neck bent violently backwards. Manning finished the season, but missed all of 2011 and suffered from neck issues for the rest of his career.

#### Week 8: vs. Houston Texans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Texans | 0 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 17 |
| Colts | 7 | 10 | 10 | 3 | 30 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: November 1
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. CDT
* Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 66,363
* Referee: Tony Corrente
* TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, Jon Gruden, Suzy Kolber and Michele Tafoya
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – Jacob Tamme 2-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 7–0, Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 4:04.
Second quarter
IND – Kelvin Hayden 25-yard interception return (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 14–0.
HOU – Neil Rackers 53-yard field goal, Colts 14–3, Drive: 5 plays, 31 yards, 2:44.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 48-yard field goal, Colts 17–3, Drive: 13 plays, 36 yards, 4:59.
Third quarter
IND – Reggie Wayne 15-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 24–3, Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 3:30.
HOU – Andre Johnson 28-yard pass from Matt Schaub (Neil Rackers kick), Colts 24–10, Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:50.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 23-yard field goal, Colts 27–10, Drive: 12 plays, 64 yards, 6:22.
Fourth quarter
HOU – Arian Foster 6-yard run (Neil Rackers kick), Colts 27–17, Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 3:56.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 36-yard field goal, Colts 30–17, Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4:59.
Top passers
HOU – Matt Schaub – 22/38, 201 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception
IND – Peyton Manning – 26/45, 268 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers
HOU – Arian Foster – 15 rushes, 102 yards, 1 touchdown
IND – Mike Hart – 12 rushes, 84 yards
Top receivers
HOU – Andre Johnson – 7 receptions, 106 yards, 1 touchdown
IND – Pierre Garçon – 7 receptions, 78 yards :
In a rematch of the opening game of the season, where the Houston Texans defeated the Indianapolis Colts 34–24, the Colts looked for revenge in their first Monday night game in Indianapolis since 2006. Both defenses came out strong in the beginning with both teams punting on their first drives. On the Colts second possession of the game, Indianapolis drove down the field for a Jacob Tamme touchdown, giving the Colts a 7–0 lead. Going into the second quarter, the Indianapolis offense and defense proved too much for the Texans. Kelvin Hayden took a 25-yard interception to the end zone and gave Indianapolis a 14–0 lead. On the following drive, Houston went down into Colts territory, however was only able to score a field goal ending the Indianapolis shutout. An Adam Vinatieri field goal gave the Colts a 17–3 lead going into halftime. Houston came out of the locker room improved, however Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis offense continued to be productive scoring a touchdown on a Reggie Wayne reception in the beginning of the first half. Following a Matt Schaub touchdown and another Vinatieri field goal, the Colts held a 27–10 lead going into the fourth quarter. With the Houston offense looking improved and the Indianapolis defense struggling, the Texans were able to score a touchdown on an Arian Foster run, while the Colts scored another field goal. With less than two minutes remaining in the game, a fumble by Schaub sealed the game with the final score being 30–17. With the win, Indianapolis moved to 5–2 on the season and held sole possession of first place for the first time in the 2010 season.

#### Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 0 | 17 | 0 | 7 | 24 |
| Eagles | 10 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 26 |
at Lincoln Financial Field; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Date: November 7
* Game time: 4:15 PM EST
* Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C) (Partly Cloudy)
* Game attendance: 69,144
* Referee: Carl Cheffers
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
PHI – (13:18) DeSean Jackson 9-yard reception from Michael Vick (David Akers kick). Drive: 3 plays, 72 yards, 1:46. (Eagles 7–0)
PHI – (11:26) David Akers 22-yard field goal. Drive: 4 plays, 4 yards, 1:30. (Eagles 10–0)
PHI – (2:15) David Akers 21-yard field goal. Drive: 9 plays, 96 yards, 3:30. (Eagles 13–0)
Second quarter
IND – (12:05) Jacob Tamme 3-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick). Drive: 11 plays, 76 yards, 5:13. (Eagles 13–7)
PHI – (6:29) David Akers 31-yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:33. (Eagles 16–7)
IND – (2:01) Javarris James 6-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick) Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:27. (Eagles 16–14)
IND – (0:07) Adam Vinatieri 37-yard field goal Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 1:01. (Colts 17–16)
Third quarter
PHI – (7:33) David Akers 44-yard field goal Drive: 8 plays, 27 yards, 3:32. (Eagles 19–17)
Fourth quarter
PHI – (13:47) Michael Vick 1-yard run from (David Akers kick) Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:21. (Eagles 26–17)
IND – (1:50) Javarris James 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick) Drive: 16 plays, 85 yards, 4:07. (Eagles 26–24)
Top passers
IND – Peyton Manning – 31/51, 294 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
PHI – Michael Vick – 17/29, 218 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
Top rushers
IND – Donald Brown – 15 carries, 50 yards, 0 TD
PHI – LeSean McCoy – 16 carries, 95 yards, 0 TD
Top receivers
IND – Jacob Tamme – 11 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
PHI – DeSean Jackson – 7 receptions, 109 yards, 1 TD :
On the road at Lincoln Financial Field, the Indianapolis Colts played a NFC opponent in the Philadelphia Eagles for the first time since the 2006 season. The game did not start well for the Colts who allowed the Eagles to score a quick touchdown on only 3 plays covering 72 yards. A Peyton Manning interception caused more concern as the Colts now found themselves under the gun halfway through the first quarter. Two key defensive stops allowed the Eagles to only score two field goals making it a 13–0 Eagles lead heading into the second quarter. A touchdown pass from Manning to Jacob Tamme allowed the Colts to get back into the game trailing the Eagles only 13–7. A Philadelphia field goal from David Akers added to the lead, however the Colts continued chipping away. A hard hit on wide receiver Austin Collie, who was returning from injury that week, caused a 10‑minute delay in the game in which he was strapped to a stripper and taken to a nearby hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion. The Colts, playing with passion, drove down the field and scored a touchdown and field goal within the final two minutes of the half, giving them a 17–16 lead at halftime. The offensive production seen by the Colts in the second quarter was nowhere to be found in the third. The Colts began the third quarter with two three-and-outs while the Eagles got the lead back with a 44-yard field goal halfway through the quarter. Going into the fourth quarter, the Eagles were driving down into scoring position where a 1-yard run by Michael Vick gave the Eagles a 26–17 lead over the Colts. A continued lack of offensive production gave the Eagles the ball back and time to milk the clock. The Colts received the ball back with less than four minutes remaining in the game, trailing by two scores and drove down to score a touchdown. Jim Caldwell elected to kick the ball away to Philadelphia with 1:50 left, a first down and a defensive stop gave the Colts the ball back with less than 0:50 seconds in the game. After driving to midfield, Manning threw his second interception of the game and sealed the Indianapolis Colts third loss of the season.

#### Week 10: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bengals | 0 | 10 | 0 | 7 | 17 |
| Colts | 10 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 23 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: November 14
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C) (Sunny – retractable roof closed on turf)
* Game attendance: 67,404
* Referee: Walt Anderson
* TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – Adam Vinatieri 28-yard field goal, Colts 3–0, Drive: 14 plays, 82 yards, 6:25.
IND – Kelvin Hayden 31-yard interception return (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 10–0.
Second quarter
IND – Javarris James 3-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 17–0, Drive: 7 plays, 25 yards, 2:55.
CIN – Mike Nugent 27-yard field goal, Colts 17–3, Drive: 8 plays, 55 yards, 4:28.
CIN – Chad Ochocinco 5-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Colts 17–10, Drive: 9 plays, 85 yards, 5:00.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 47-yard field goal, Colts 20–10, Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 1:06.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
IND – Adam Vinatieri 23-yard field goal, Colts 23–10, Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:12.
CIN – Jermaine Gresham 19-yard pass from Carson Palmer (Mike Nugent kick), Colts 23–17, Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 2:10.
Top passers
CIN – Carson Palmer – 31/42, 292 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions
IND – Peyton Manning – 20/36, 185 yards
Top rushers
CIN – Brian Leonard – 1 rush, 42 yards
IND – Donald Brown – 12 rushes, 50 yards
Top receivers
CIN – Chad Ochocinco – 7 receptions, 86 yards, 1 touchdown
IND – Jacob Tamme – 7 receptions, 73 yards :
Following their third loss of the season, the Indianapolis Colts entered their home game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a chance to regain the lead in the AFC South. Indianapolis came out energized in the first quarter where the Colts picked up a field goal with three minutes remaining in the quarter, and a Kelvin Hayden interception returned for a touchdown. The second quarter continued to see Colts dominance with a Javarris James touchdown run, extending the Colts lead to 17–0. However, as the quarter wore on the defense began to allow larger gains and the Bengals were able to score a touchdown and a field goal in the last ten minutes of the half. However, an Adam Vinatieri field goal gave the Colts a 20–10 lead going into halftime. The Colts came out in the third quarter sluggish and both teams exchanged the ball throughout the rest of the quarter. Another Vinatieri field goal gave the Colts a 23–10 lead. With everything seeming secure, the Bengals were able to pick up a touchdown on a 19-yard pass from Carson Palmer making it a six-point game. The Bengals onside kick attempt was successful with a late penalty by the Colts, giving the Bengals the ball at the Colts 40-yard line. A fumble, the fifth turnover by the Bengals on the day, gave the Colts the ability to hold on to the lead and win the game 23–17, going to 6–3 on the season and taking first place in the AFC South by one game.

#### Week 11: at New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 0 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 28 |
| Patriots | 7 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
at Gillette Stadium; Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: November 21
* Game time: 4:15 PM EST
* Game weather: 37 °F (3 °C) (Sunny and Cold)
* Game attendance: 68,756
* Referee: Gene Steratore
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
NE – (8:00) Wes Welker 22-yard reception from Tom Brady (Shayne Graham kick). Drive: 4 plays, 32 yards, 2:02. (Patriots 7–0)
Second quarter
NE – (13:15) Aaron Hernandez 8-yard reception from Tom Brady (Shayne Graham kick). Drive: 15 plays, 82 yards, 7:46. (Patriots 14–0)
IND – (7:53) Gijon Robinson 1-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick) Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 5:22. (Patriots 14–7)
NE – (3:34) BenJarvus Green-Ellis 5-yard run (Shayne Graham kick) Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:19. (Patriots 21–7)
IND – (0:04) Reggie Wayne 11-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick). Drive: 12 plays, 85 yards, 3:30. (Patriots 21–14)
Third quarter
NE – (1:11) Danny Woodhead 36-yard run. (Shayne Graham kick). Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 4:42. (Patriots 28–14)
Fourth quarter
NE – (10:23) Shayne Graham 25-yard field goal. Drive: 10 plays, 54 yards, 4:55. (Patriots 31–14)
IND – (7:57) Blair White 5-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick). Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:26. (Patriots 31–21)
IND – (4:46) Blair White 18-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick) Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 2:18. (Patriots 31–28)
Top passers
IND – Peyton Manning – 38/52, 396 yards, 4 TD, 3 INT
NE – Tom Brady – 19/25, 186 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT
Top rushers
IND – Donald Brown – 17 carries, 68 yards, 0 TD
NE – BenJarvus Green-Ellis – 26 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
IND – Reggie Wayne – 8 receptions, 107 yards, 1 TD
NE – Deion Branch – 7 carries, 70 yards, 0 TD :
The Colts' tenth game was an AFC duel against the Patriots. In the first quarter the Colts trailed early as QB Tom Brady made a 22-yard TD pass to WR Wes Welker. This was followed in the second quarter by Brady throwing an 8-yard TD pass to TE Aaron Hernandez. The Colts narrowed the lead with QB Peyton Manning completing a 1-yard TD pass to TE Gijon Robinson, but the Patriots responded with a 5-yard TD run by RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The Colts tried to close the gap after Manning found WR Reggie Wayne on an 11-yard TD pass. The Colts struggled further in the 3rd quarter with RB Danny Woodhead getting a 36-yard TD run, followed in the fourth quarter by kicker Shayne Graham nailing a 25-yard field goal. The Colts tried to close the gap after Manning made a 5 and an 18-yard TD pass to WR Blair White, but his final pass was intercepted, giving the Colts a loss.
With the loss, the Colts fell to 6–4.

#### Week 12: vs. San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 10 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 36 |
| Colts | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: November 28
* Game time: 8:20 PM EST
* Game weather: Roof closed, retractable roof stadium
* Game attendance: 67,471
* Referee: Pete Morelli
* TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, & Andrea Kremer
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – Jacob Tamme 4-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 7–0, Drive: 12 plays, 78 yards, 5:44.
SD – Nate Kaeding 28-yard field goal, Colts 7–3, Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:54.
SD – Kevin Burnett 29-yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 10–7, Drive: 3 plays, 5 yards, 1:22.
Second quarter
SD – Nate Kaeding 33-yard field goal, Chargers 13–7, Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:46.
SD – Nate Kaeding 50-yard field goal, Chargers 16–7, Drive: 5 plays, 26 yards, 2:27.
IND – Blair White 6-yard reception from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Chargers 16–14, Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:14.
Third quarter
SD – Nate Kaeding 30-yard field goal, Chargers 19–14, Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:42.
SD – Eric Weddle 41-yard interception return (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 26–14
Fourth quarter
SD – Mike Tolbert 3-yard ryn (Nate Kaeding kick), Chargers 33–14, Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 6:01.
SD – Nate Kaeding 20-yard field goal, Chargers 36–14, Drive: 8 plays, 31 yards, 5:12.
Top passers
SD – Philip Rivers – 19/23, 185 yards
IND – Peyton Manning – 31/48, 285 yards, 2 TDs, 4 INTs
Top rushers
SD – Mike Tolbert – 26 rushes, 103 yards, 1 TD
IND – Donald Brown – 11 rushes, 24 yards
Top receivers
SD – Antonio Gates – 4 receptions, 46 yards
IND – Pierre Garçon – 5 receptions, 72 yards :
The Colts' eleventh game was an AFC duel against the Chargers. They took the lead in the first quarter after QB Peyton Manning made a 4-yard TD pass to TE Jacob Tamme. They had a problem maintaining this lead after kicker Nate Kaeding made a 28-yard field goal, followed by ILB Kevin Burnett returning an interception 29 yards for a touchdown, and then with Kaeding hitting a 33 and a 50-yard field goal. They tried to cut the lead as Manning made a 6-yard TD pass to WR Blair White, but the Chargers controlled the second half with Kaeding getting a 30-yard field goal, which was shortly followed by FS Eric Weddle returning an interception 41 yards for a touchdown, then with FB Mike Tolbert getting a 3-yard TD run, and Kaeding making a 20-yard field goal, settling both records to 6–5. The Colts would have their 5- win season since 2002 at this point.

#### Week 13: vs. Dallas Cowboys

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Cowboys | 10 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 3 | 38 |
| Colts | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 | 0 | 35 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: December 5
* Game time: 4:15 PM EST
* Game weather: 4:15 PM EST
* Game attendance: 67,471
* Referee: Pete Morelli
* TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, & Pam Oliver
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
DAL – Tashard Choice 20-yard run (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 7–0, Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 4:45.
DAL – David Buehler 30-yard field goal, Cowboys 10–0, Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 6:40.
Second quarter
DAL – Orlando Scandrick 40-yard interception return (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 17–0.
IND – Pierre Garçon 13-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Cowboys 17–7, Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 8:15.
Third quarter
IND – Reggie Wayne 34-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Cowboys 17–14, Drive: 4 plays, 80 yards, 1:07.
DAL – David Buehler 46-yard field goal, Cowboys 20–14, Drive: 9 plays, 36 yards, 3:45.
DAL – Sean Lee 31-yard interception return (David Buehler kick), Cowboys 27–14.
Fourth quarter
IND – Javarris James 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Cowboys 27–21, Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:57.
IND – Taj Smith 2-yard return of blocked punt, Colts 28–27.
DAL – Jason Witten 2-yard pass from Jon Kitna (Jon Kitna – Roy E. Williams pass), Cowboys 35–28, Drive: 18 plays, 81 yards, 10:18.
IND – Javarris James 2-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Tied 35–35, Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 2:09.
Overtime
DAL – David Buehler 38-yard field goal, Cowboys 38–35,Drive: 6 plays, 16 yards, 3:16.
Top passers
DAL – Jon Kitna – 18/26, 167 yards, 1 touchdown
IND – Peyton Manning – 36/48, 365 yards, 2 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
Top rushers
DAL – Tashard Choice – 19 rushes, 100 yards, 1 touchdown
IND – Javarris James – 6 rushes, 18 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top receivers
DAL – Miles Austin – 4 receptions, 47 yards
IND – Reggie Wayne – 14 receptions, 200 yards, 1 touchdown :
Hoping to break a two-game losing streak the Colts played on home ground for an Interconference duel with the Cowboys. In the first quarter the Colts caused problems with their defense after RB Tashard Choice got a 20-yard TD run, followed by kicker David Buehler hitting a 40-yard field goal. The offense had problems too as QB Peyton Manning's pass was intercepted by SS Orlando Scandrick and returned 40 yards for a touchdown. They responded with Manning getting a 13 and a 34-yard TD pass to WR Pierre Garçon and WR Reggie Wayne. The Cowboys increased their lead after Buehler made a 46-yard field goal, and with LB Sean Lee returning an interception 31 yards for a TD. The Colts got a slight lead with RB Javarris James getting a 1-yard TD run, followed by WR Taj Smith returning a blocked punt 2 yards for a touchdown. They trailed again with QB Jon Kitna completing a 2-yard TD pass to TE Jason Witten (With a successful 2-point conversion as Kitna passed to WR Roy E. Williams). They managed to tie the game after James made a 2-yard TD run. The decision was made in overtime when Buehler successfully made a 38-yard field goal to give the Colts a three-game losing streak, for the first time since 2002.
With the loss, the Colts fell to 6–6.

#### Week 14: at Tennessee Titans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 7 | 14 | 3 | 6 | 30 |
| Titans | 0 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 28 |
at LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee
* Date: December 9
* Game time: 7:20 p.m. CST
* Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C) (Clear and Cold)
* Game attendance: 69,143
* Referee: John Parry
* TV announcers (NFLN): Bob Papa, Matt Millen, and Joe Theismann
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – (2:08) Javarris James 1-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 7–0, Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:58.
Second quarter
IND – (10:22) Pierre Garçon 1-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 14–0, Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 4:33.
IND – (2:30) Pierre Garçon 19-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 21–0, Drive: 2 plays, 19 yards, 0:08.
TEN – (0:54) Chris Johnson 1-yard run (Rob Bironas kick), Colts 21–7, Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 1:36.
Third quarter
TEN – (11:14) Craig Stevens 7-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Rob Bironas kick), Colts 21–14, Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 3:51.
IND – (7:27) Adam Vinatieri 21-yard field goal, Colts 24–14, Drive: 8 plays, 77 yards, 3:47.
Fourth quarter
IND – (12:59) Adam Vinatieri 28-yard field goal, Colts 27–14, Drive: 16 plays, 64 yards, 7:52.
TEN – (8:06) Bo Scaife 4-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Rob Bironas kick), Colts 27–21, Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 4:56.
IND – (3:00) Adam Vinatieri 47-yard field goal, Colts 30–21, Drive: 6 plays, 46 yards, 1:12.
TEN – (0:00) Bo Scaife 2-yard pass from Kerry Collins (Rob Bironas kick), Colts 30–28,Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 2:55.
Top passers
IND – Peyton Manning – 25/35, 319 yards, 2 touchdowns
TEN – Kerry Collins – 28/39, 244 yards, 3 touchdowns
Top rushers
IND – Javarris James – 17 rushes, 49 yards, 1 touchdown
TEN – Chris Johnson – 22 rushes, 111 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
IND – Reggie Wayne – 4 receptions, 106 yards
TEN – Chris Johnson – 8 receptions, 68 yards :
Trying to snap a three-game losing streak, the Colts flew to LP Field for a Week 14 AFC South duel with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night. Indianapolis delivered the game's opening strike in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from rookie running back Javarris James. The Colts would add onto their lead in the second quarter as quarterback Peyton Manning found wide receiver Pierre Garçon on a 1-yard and a 19-yard touchdown pass. The Titans responded with running back Chris Johnson getting a 1-yard touchdown run.
Tennessee began to cut away at their deficit in the third quarter as quarterback Kerry Collins completed a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Craig Stevens, yet Indianapolis responded with a 21-yard field goal from kicker Adam Vinatieri. The Colts added onto their lead in the fourth quarter with a 28-yard field goal from Vinatieri. The Titans tried to rally as Collins completed a 9-yard touchdown pass to tight end Bo Scaife, yet Indianapolis rose to the challenge with Vinatieri booting a 47-yard field goal. Tennessee closed out the game with Collins completing a 2-yard touchdown pass to Scaife.
With the win, the Colts improved to 7–6.

#### Week 15: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jaguars | 0 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
| Colts | 7 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 34 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: December 19
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
* Game attendance: 67,147
* Referee: Mike Carey
* TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel & Dan Dierdorf
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
IND – Austin Collie 7-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 7–0, Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 3:39.
Second quarter
JAC – Josh Scobee 22-yard field goal, Colts 7–3, Drive: 15 plays, 77 yards, 8:41.
IND – Austin Collie 27-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 14–3, Drive: 11 plays, 92 yards, 4:22.
JAC – Mike Thomas 78-yard punt return (Josh Scobee kick), Colts 14–10.
Third quarter
IND – Donald Brown 43-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 21–10, Drive: 2 plays, 38 yards, 1:03.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 34-yard field goal, Colts 24–10, Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:21.
JAC – Mike Sims-Walker 6-yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick), Colts 24–17, Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 4:53.
Fourth quarter
IND – Adam Vinatieri 37-yard field goal, Colts 27–17, Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 5:03.
JAC – Mike Sims-Walker 1-yard pass from David Garrard (Josh Scobee kick), Colts 27–24, Drive: 7 plays, 51 yards, 1:27.
IND – Tyjuan Hagler 41-yard kickoff return (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 34–24, Drive: 0 plays, 0 yards, 0:07.
Top passers
JAC – David Garrard – 24/38, 294 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
IND – Peyton Manning – 29/39, 229 yards, 2 touchdowns
Top rushers
JAC – Maurice Jones-Drew – 15 rushes, 46 yards
IND – Donald Brown – 14 rushes, 129 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
JAC – Rashad Jennings – 7 receptions, 64 yards
IND – Austin Collie – 8 receptions, 87 yards, 2 touchdowns :
Coming off their win over the Titans the Colts played on home ground for an AFC South rivalry rematch against the Jaguars. In the first quarter the Colts took the lead as QB Peyton Manning threw a 7-yard TD pass to Austin Collie. The lead was narrowed with a 22-yard field goal from kicker Josh Scobee, but the Colts scored again as Manning found Collie again on a 27-yard TD pass. They conceded their first touchdown of the game when Mike Thomas returned a punt 78 yards to the endzone. After that, the Colts extended their lead with RB Donald Brown getting a 43-yard TD run, followed by kicker Adam Vinatieri nailing a 34-yard field goal. The lead was cut down with QB David Garrard completing a 6-yard TD pass to WR Mike Sims-Walker, but the Colts increased their lead with Vinatieri making a 37-yard field goal. The Jaguars tried to come back with Garrard finding Sims-Walker on a 1-yard TD pass. After that, the Colts soon pulled away with Tyjuan Hagler returning a failed onside kick 41 yards for a touchdown.
With the win, the Colts improved to 8–6.

#### Week 16: at Oakland Raiders

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 7 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 31 |
| Raiders | 7 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 26 |
at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum; Oakland, California
* Date: December 26
* Game time: 4:05 PM EST
* Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 52,567
* Referee: Terry McAulay
* TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
* Recap
Game information :
First quarter
OAK – Jacoby Ford 99-yard kickoff return (Sebastian Janikowski kick), Raiders 7–0, Drive: 1 play, 99 yards, 0:00.
IND – Joseph Addai 6-yard run (Adam Vinatieri kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 2:16.
Second quarter
IND – Adam Vinatieri 30-yard field goal, Colts 10–7, Drive: 11 plays, 50 yards, 5:02.
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 59-yard field goal, Tied 10–10, Drive: 9 plays, 34 yards, 5:20.
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 38-yard field goal, Raiders 13–10, Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 5:33.
IND – Jacob Tamme 18-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 17–13, Drive: 8 plays, 88 yards, 1:19.
Third quarter
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 51-yard field goal, Colts 17–16, Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 2:50.
IND – Blair White 4-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 24–16, Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:52.
Fourth quarter
OAK – Sebastian Janikowski 45-yard field goal, Colts 24–19, Drive: 5 plays, 10 yards, 1:46.
IND – Pierre Garçon 7-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 31–19, Drive: 9 plays, 68 yards, 5:21.
OAK – Zach Miller 6-yard pass from Jason Campbell (Sebastian Janikowski kick), Colts 31–26, Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 3:11.
Top passers
IND – Peyton Manning – 16/30, 179 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions
OAK – Jason Campbell – 29/42, 231 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
IND – Dominic Rhodes – 17 rushes, 98 yards
OAK – Darren McFadden – 11 rushes, 45 yads
Top receivers
IND – Jacob Tamme – 7 receptions, 78 yards, 1 touchdown
OAK – Zach Miller – 9 receptions, 66 yards, 1 touchdown :
Coming off their win over the Jaguars the Colts flew to Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum for an AFC duel with the Raiders. In the first quarter the Colts trailed immediately after a 99-yard kickoff return was made by Jacoby Ford. They soon took the lead with RB Joseph Addai getting a 6-yard TD run, followed by kicker Adam Vinatieri getting a 30-yard field goal. They trailed again after kicker Sebastian Janikowski hit a 59 and a 38-yard field goal, but responded to take the lead back with QB Peyton Manning completing an 18-yard TD pass to TE Jacob Tamme. The lead was narrowed with Janikowski nailing a 51-yard field goal, but the Colts extended their lead with Manning getting a 4-yard TD pass to WR Blair White. The Raiders tried to keep up with Janikowski making a 45-yard field goal, but the Colts kept going with Manning completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Pierre Garçon. The Raiders tried to come back after QB Jason Campbell threw a 6-yard TD pass to TE Zach Miller, but Manning ran for a first down on the Colts ensuing possession to seal the game.
With the win, Indianapolis improved to 9–6. This would also be Indianapolis last road win until week 8 in 2012 against Tennessee.

#### Week 17: vs. Tennessee Titans

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Titans | 3 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 20 |
| Colts | 3 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 23 |
at Lucas Oil Stadium; Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: January 2
* Game time: 4:15 PM EDT
* Referee: Ed Hochuli
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz & Phil Simms
Hoping to clinch a playoff spot the Colts played on home ground for a division rivalry rematch against the Titans. In the first quarter the Colts took the lead as kicker Adam Vinatieri made a 48-yard field goal, with the Titans replying as kicker Rob Bironas nailed a 26-yard field goal. The Colts scored again with Vinatieri making a 44-yard field goal, but the Titans re-tied the game with Bironas hitting a 42-yard field goal. The Colts tried to pull away with QB Peyton Manning completing a 7-yard TD pass to WR Reggie Wayne, but the Titans kept the score level as QB Kerry Collins made a 30-yard TD pass to WR Kenny Britt. The Colts still tried to pull away with Manning completing a 30-yard TD pass to WR Pierre Garçon, but the Titans re-tied the game for the fourth time as Collins threw a 15-yard TD pass to RB Chris Johnson. The Colts got away in the fourth quarter as Vinatieri got a 43-yard field goal.
With the win, the Colts finish on a 10–6 record and successfully clinched a play-off spot. As the New Orleans Saints also clinched a playoff spot, the 2010 season marked the first time in 10 years that both defending conference champions made the playoffs in the same season. This was also the final regular season game with Peyton Manning as the Colts' starting quarterback.

## Postseason
### Schedule

| Round | Date | Opponent (seed) | Result | Record | Game site | NFL.com recap |
| Wild card | January 8 | New York Jets (6) | L 16–17 | 0–1 | Lucas Oil Stadium | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### AFC Wild Card Round: vs. New York Jets

AFC Wild Card: New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary :
Game time: 8:00 PM EST
Game weather: Played with roof closed, retractable roof stadium
TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, & Andrea Kremer
Game attendance: at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Referee: Gene Steratore
Attendance: 65,332
First quarter
No scoring plays
Second quarter
IND – Pierre Garçon 57-yard pass from Peyton Manning (Adam Vinatieri kick), Colts 7–0, Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, in 2:44.
Third quarter
NYJ – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), Tied 7–7, Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:12.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 47-yard field goal, Colts 10–7, Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:45.
Fourth quarter
NYJ – LaDainian Tomlinson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), Jets 14–10, Drive: 17 plays, 87 yards, 9:54.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 32-yard field goal, Jets 14–13, Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 5:22.
IND – Adam Vinatieri 50-yard field goal, Colts 16–14, Drive: 8 plays, 48 yards, 1:43.
NYJ – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, Jets 17–16, Drive: 5 plays, 40 yards, 0:53.
1
2
3
4
Total
Jets
0
0
7
10
17
Colts
0
7
3
6
16
Top passers
NYJ – Mark Sanchez – 18/31, 189 yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception
IND – Peyton Manning – 18/26, 225 yards, 1 touchdown
Top rushers
NYJ – LaDainian Tomlinson – 16 rushes, 82 yards, 2 touchdowns
IND – Joseph Addai – 13 rushes, 60 yards
Top receivers
NYJ – Braylon Edwards – 4 receptions, 62 yards
IND – Pierre Garçon – 5 receptions, 112 yards, 1 touchdown :
Entering the playoffs as the AFC #3 seed, the Colts began their playoff run at home in the AFC Wild Card round against the #6 New York Jets in a rematch of the 2009–10 AFC Championship Game. After a scoreless first quarter, the Colts delivered the game's opening strike in the second quarter as quarterback Peyton Manning found wide receiver Pierre Garçon on a 57-yard touchdown pass.
The Jets answered in the third quarter with running back LaDainian Tomlinson getting a one-yard touchdown run, yet Indianapolis regained the lead with a 47-yard field goal from kicker Adam Vinatieri. New York took the lead in the fourth quarter with Tomlinson getting another one-yard touchdown run. The Colts regained the lead with a 32-yard and a 50-yard field goal from Vinatieri, but the Jets' Nick Folk kicked the game-winning 32-yard field goal.
With the loss, Indianapolis' season came to an end with an overall record of 10–7.
It would be Peyton Manning's final game as a Colt. He missed the entire 2011 season due to multiple neck surgeries, and signed with the Denver Broncos in 2012.