# 1987 Indianapolis Colts season

The 1987 Indianapolis Colts season was the 35th season for the team in the National Football League (NFL) and fourth in Indianapolis. It was also their first full season under head coach Ron Meyer, who had taken over a 0–13 Colts team the previous season after Rod Dowhower was fired.
The team finished the strike-shortened season with a record of 9–6 and won the AFC East division.
This season marked the first winning season, division championship, and playoff appearance for the Colts since 1977, when they were still in Baltimore.
NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled Off and Running; it was narrated by Jeff Kaye.

## Offseason
### NFL draft

1987 Indianapolis Colts Draft :
| Round | Selection | Player | Position | College |
| 1 | 2 | Cornelius Bennett | LB | Alabama |
| 2 | 30 | Choice to Washington | Choice to Washington | Choice to Washington |
| 3 | 58 | Chris Gambol | OG | Iowa |
| 4 | 85 | Randy Dixon | OG | Pittsburgh |
| 5 | 114 | Roy Banks | WR | Eastern Illinois |
| 6 | 142 | Freddie Robinson | DB | Alabama |
| 7 | 170 | Mark Bellini | WR | Brigham Young |
| 8 | 197 | Choice to Tampa Bay | Choice to Tampa Bay | Choice to Tampa Bay |
| 8 | 200 (Choice from Buffalo) | Chuckie Miller | DB | UCLA |
| 9 | 225 | Choice to N.Y. Giants | Choice to N.Y. Giants | Choice to N.Y. Giants |
| 9 | 247 (Choice from Cleveland) | Bob Ontko | LB | Penn State |
| 10 | 253 | Chris Goode | DB | Alabama |
| 11 | 281 | Jim Reynosa | DE | Arizona State |
| 12 | 309 | David Adams | RB | Arizona |

## NFL replacement players

After the league decided to use replacement players during the NFLPA strike, the following team was assembled:

## Pre season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Time | TV | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance |
| 1 | August 15 | at Detroit Lions | 7:00 p.m. EST | WTHR | W 22–19 | 1–0 | Pontiac Silverdome | 45,753 |
| 2 | August 22 | at Minnesota Vikings | 7:00 p.m. EST | WTHR | L 19–37 | 1–1 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome | 49,304 |
| 3 | August 29 | Houston Oilers | 7:30 p.m. EST | WTHR | W 17–6 | 2–1 | Hoosier Dome | 51,975 |
| 4 | September 5 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7:30 p.m. EST | WTHR | W 23–6 | 3–1 | Hoosier Dome | 50,111 |

### Game summaries
#### Week P1: at Detroit Lions

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 3 | 10 | 2 | 7 | 22 |
| Lions | 0 | 13 | 6 | 0 | 19 |
at Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan
* Date: August 15
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 45,753
* TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

#### Week P2: at Minnesota Vikings

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| Vikings | 3 | 17 | 7 | 10 | 37 |
at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota
* Date: August 22, 1987
* Game time: 7:00 p.m. EDT/6:00 p.m. CDT
* Game attendance: 49,304
* TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

#### Week P3: vs. Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Oilers | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Colts | 0 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 17 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: August 29
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 51,975
* TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

#### Week P4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Colts | 3 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 23 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: September 5
* Game time: 7:30 p.m. EDT
* Game attendance: 50,111
* Referee: Ben Dreith
* TV announcers (WTHR): Don Hein (play-by-play) and Darrel Burnett (color commentator)

## Regular season
### Schedule

| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Record | Venue | Attendance | Recap |
| 1 | September 13 | Cincinnati Bengals | L 21–23 | 0–1 | Hoosier Dome | 59,387 | Recap |
| 2 | September 20, 1987 | Miami Dolphins | L 10–23 | 0–2 | Hoosier Dome | 57,524 | Recap |
| 3 | September 27 | at St. Louis Cardinals | Canceled | 0–2 | Busch Stadium | | |
| 4 | October 4 | at Buffalo Bills | W 47–6 | 1–2 | Rich Stadium | 9,860 | Recap |
| 5 | October 11 | New York Jets | W 6–0 | 2–2 | Hoosier Dome | 34,927 | Recap |
| 6 | October 18 | at Pittsburgh Steelers | L 7–21 | 2–3 | Three Rivers Stadium | 34,627 | Recap |
| 7 | October 25 | New England Patriots | W 30–16 | 3–3 | Hoosier Dome | 48,850 | Recap |
| 8 | November 1 | at New York Jets | W 19–14 | 4–3 | Giants Stadium | 60,863 | Recap |
| 9 | November 8 | San Diego Chargers | L 13–16 | 4–4 | Hoosier Dome | 60,459 | Recap |
| 10 | November 15 | at Miami Dolphins | W 40–21 | 5–4 | Joe Robbie Stadium | 65,433 | Recap |
| 11 | November 22 | at New England Patriots | L 0–24 | 5–5 | Sullivan Stadium | 56,906 | Recap |
| 12 | November 29 | Houston Oilers | W 51–27 | 6–5 | Hoosier Dome | 54,999 | Recap |
| 13 | December 6 | at Cleveland Browns | W 9–7 | 7–5 | Cleveland Stadium | 70,661 | Recap |
| 14 | December 13 | Buffalo Bills | L 3–27 | 7–6 | Hoosier Dome | 60,253 | Recap |
| 15 | December 20 | at San Diego Chargers | W 20–7 | 8–6 | Jack Murphy Stadium | 46,211 | Recap |
| 16 | December 27 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | W 24–6 | 9–6 | Hoosier Dome | 60,468 | Recap |
| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. ||||||||

### Game summaries
#### Week 1: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bengals | 13 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 23 |
| Colts | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 21 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: September 13
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: None (played indoors)
* Game attendance: 59,367
* Referee: Gene Barth
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond and Dave Casper
Game information :
First quarter
CIN – James Brooks 18-yard pass from Boomer Esiason (Jim Breech kick), 6:21. Bengals 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 5:43.
CIN – Rodney Holman 61-yard pass from Boomer Esiason (kick failed), 3:59. Bengals 13–0. Drive: 2 plays, 61 yards, 0:48.
IND – Bill Brooks 52-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick), 1:25. Bengals 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 68 yards, 2:34.
Second quarter
No scoring plays
Third quarter
IND – Albert Bentley 2-yard run (Dean Biasucci kick), 2:29. Colts 14–13. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:58.
Fourth quarter
CIN – Jim Breech 20-yard field goal, 10:36. Bengals 16–14. Drive: 16 plays, 78 yards, 6:53.
CIN – James Brooks 1-yard run (Jim Breech kick), 7:50. Bengals 23–14. Drive: 3 plays, 25 yards, 1:19.
IND – Tim Sherwin 1-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick), 2:33. Bengals 23–21. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:17.
Top passers
CIN – Boomer Esiason – 17/26, 236 yards, 2 TD
IND – Jack Trudeau – 13/23, 206 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
CIN – James Brooks – 19 rushes, 86 yards, TD
IND – Albert Bentley – 25 rushes, 77 yards, TD
Top receivers
CIN – Rodney Holman – 3 receptions, 79 yards, TD
IND – Bill Brooks – 6 receptions, 146 yards, TD :

#### Week 2: vs. Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Dolphins | 7 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 23 |
| Colts | 0 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: September 20
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: None (Played indoors)
* Game attendance: 57,524
* Referee: Fred Wyant
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond and Dave Casper
Game information :
First quarter
MIA – Troy Stradford 18-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick), 5:37. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 81 yards, 5:33.
Second quarter
MIA – Fuad Reveiz 27-yard field goal, 12:37. Dolphins 10–0. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:43.
IND – Matt Bouza 17-yard pass from Gary Hogeboom (Dean Biasucci kick), 6:12. Dolphins 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:25.
MIA – Jim Jensen 6-yard pass from Dan Marino (kick failed), 1:12. Dolphins 16–7. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:00.
Third quarter
MIA – Mark Clayton 10-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick), 7:19. Dolphins 23–7. Drive: 8 plays, 60 yards, 3:50.
IND – Dean Biasucci 50-yard field goal, 1:32. Dolphins 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:21.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays
Top passers
MIA – Dan Marino – 23/32, 254 yards, 3 TD
IND – Gary Hogeboom – 27/43, 282 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
MIA – Lorenzo Hampton – 13 rushes, 44 yards
IND – Albert Bentley – 22 rushes, 84 yards
Top receivers
MIA – Lorenzo Hampton – 7 receptions, 49 yards
IND – Albert Bentley – 9 receptions, 69 yards :

#### Week 4: at Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 7 | 21 | 19 | 0 | 47 |
| Bills | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
* Date: October 4
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 43 °F (6 °C); relative humidity 62%; wind 13 miles per hour (21 km/h; 11 kn)
* Game attendance: 9,860
* Referee: Dick Hantak
* TV announcers (NBC): Sam Nover (play-by-play) and Dave Casper (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| IND | Passing | Gary Hogeboom | 17/25, 259 YDS, 5 TDs |
| IND | Rushing | Chuck Banks | 16 CAR, 69 YDS |
| IND | Receiving | Walter Murray | 7 REC, 161 YDS, 2 TDs |
| BUF | Passing | Willie Totten | 4/12, 71 YDS, 1 TD |
| BUF | Rushing | Johnny Shepherd | 7 CAR, 38 YDS |
| BUF | Receiving | Sheldon Gaines | 6 REC, 98 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | IND | BUF |
| 1 | 2:48 | 3 | 56 | 0:49 | Colts | Murray 37-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | 7:04 | 7 | 68 | 3:05 | Colts | Murray 11-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good | 14 | 0 |
| 2 | 1:38 | 8 | 71 | 2:09 | Colts | Jones 37-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good | 21 | 0 |
| 2 | 0:18 | 2 | 40 | 0:16 | Colts | Jones 18-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good | 28 | 0 |
| 3 | 14:10 | 2 | 21 | 0:36 | Colts | Jones 18-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Jordan kick good | 35 | 0 |
| 3 | 12:30 | — | — | — | Colts | Clark tackled in the end zone by Leiding for a safety | 37 | 0 |
| 3 | 7:11 | 10 | 50 | 5:07 | Colts | 36-yard field goal by Jordan | 40 | 0 |
| 3 | 4:50 | 2 | 44 | 0:37 | Colts | Brown 18-yard touchdown run, Jordan kick good | 47 | 0 |
| 4 | 8:52 | 3 | 12 | 0:52 | Bills | Brown 8-yard touchdown reception from Totten, Schlopy kick no good | 47 | 6 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 47 | 6 |

#### Week 5: vs. New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Jets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Colts | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: October 11
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: None (played indoors)
* Game attendance: 34,927
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| NYJ | Passing | David Norrie | 17/35, 163 YDS, 3 INTs |
| NYJ | Rushing | Dennis Bligen | 12 CAR, 35 YDS |
| NYJ | Receiving | Michael Harper | 5 REC, 56 YDS |
| IND | Passing | Gary Hogeboom | 15/28, 115 YDS, 1 TDs |
| IND | Rushing | Chuck Banks | 25 CAR, 159 YDS |
| IND | Receiving | Chuck Banks | 5 REC, 22 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NYJ | IND |
| 2 | 1:57 | 5 | 36 | 2:51 | Colts | 35-yard field goal by Jordan | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | 7:28 | 12 | 67 | 5:51 | Colts | 25-yard field goal by Jordan | 0 | 6 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 6 |

#### Week 6: at Pittsburgh Steelers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Steelers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 21 |
at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Date: October 18
* Game time: 12:00 p.m. EDT
* Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C); relative humidity 62%; wind 6 miles per hour (9.7 km/h; 5.2 kn) (Scattered Clouds)
* Game attendance: 34,627
* Referee: Tom Dooley
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Sam Rutigliano (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| IND | Passing | Blair Kiel | 17/30, 195 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs |
| IND | Rushing | Gordon Brown | 9 CAR, 32 YDS |
| IND | Receiving | Mark Bellini | 5 REC, 69 YDS |
| PIT | Passing | Steve Bono | 11/23, 138 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| PIT | Rushing | Earnest Jackson | 24 CAR, 134 YDS |
| PIT | Receiving | John Stallworth | 5 REC, 54 YDS, 1 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | IND | PIT |
| 1 | 7:06 | 2 | 11 | 0:42 | Steelers | Stallworth 3-yard touchdown reception from Bono, Trout kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | 1:54 | 6 | 80 | 1:06 | Colts | Murray 20-yard touchdown reception from Kiel, Jordan kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 4 | 10:01 | 9 | 59 | 5:37 | Steelers | Hoge 20-yard touchdown reception from Bono, Trout kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 4 | 3:00 | 8 | 38 | 4:55 | Steelers | Sanders 20-yard touchdown run, Trout kick good | 7 | 21 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 7 | 21 |

#### Week 7: vs. New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Patriots | 3 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 16 |
| Colts | 0 | 10 | 13 | 7 | 30 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: October 25
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (played indoors)
* Game attendance: 48,850
* Referee: Bob McElwee
* TV announcers (NBC): Kevin Slaten (play-by-play) and Reggie Rucker (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| NE | Passing | Tony Eason | 22/42, 246 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| NE | Rushing | Mosi Tatupu | 12 CAR, 39 YDS |
| NE | Receiving | Stanley Morgan | 7 REC, 102 YDS, 1 TD |
| IND | Passing | Jack Trudeau | 17/28, 239 YDS, 1 TD |
| IND | Rushing | Albert Bentley | 16 CAR, 65 YDS, 1 TD |
| IND | Receiving | Albert Bentley | 4 REC, 53 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | NE | IND |
| 1 | 5:59 | 13 | 52 | 5:38 | Patriots | 30-yard field goal by Franklin | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | 7:42 | 15 | 72 | 7:11 | Patriots | 31-yard field goal by Franklin | 6 | 0 |
| 2 | 1:54 | 7 | 71 | 5:48 | Colts | Bouza 25-yard touchdown reception from Trudeau, Biasucci kick good | 6 | 7 |
| 2 | 0:28 | 6 | 33 | 0:46 | Colts | 48-yard field goal by Biasucci | 6 | 10 |
| 3 | 11:11 | 9 | 55 | 3:49 | Colts | 38-yard field goal by Biasucci | 6 | 13 |
| 3 | 6:56 | 6 | 36 | 2:36 | Colts | 24-yard field goal by Biasucci | 6 | 16 |
| 3 | 5:14 | — | — | — | Colts | Fumble recovery returned 28 yards for touchdown by Thompson, Biasucci kick good | 6 | 23 |
| 3 | 1:42 | 9 | 76 | 3:32 | Patriots | Morgan 17-yard touchdown reception from Eason, Franklin kick good | 13 | 23 |
| 4 | 8:52 | 9 | 34 | 4:37 | Patriots | 49-yard field goal by Franklin | 16 | 23 |
| 4 | 3:25 | 4 | 22 | 2:14 | Colts | Bentley 12-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 16 | 30 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 16 | 30 |

#### Week 8: at New York Jets

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 3 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 19 |
| Jets | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 14 |
at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
* Date: November 1
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C); relative humidity 62%; wind 9 miles per hour (14 km/h; 7.8 kn)
* Game attendance: 60,863
* Referee: Ben Dreith
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Joe Namath (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| IND | Passing | Jack Trudeau | 14/23, 192 YDS, 1 TD |
| IND | Rushing | Albert Bentley | 29 CAR, 145 YDS |
| IND | Receiving | Pat Beach | 4 REC, 31 YDS |
| NYJ | Passing | Ken O'Brien | 15/29, 174 YDS, 1 INT |
| NYJ | Rushing | Johnny Hector | 5 CAR, 37 YDS, 2 TDs |
| NYJ | Receiving | Al Toon | 7 REC, 79 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | IND | NYJ |
| 1 | 7:56 | 12 | 59 | 7:04 | Colts | 36-yard field goal by Biasucci | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | 10:23 | 5 | 89 | 2:53 | Colts | Bouza 44-yard touchdown reception from Trudeau, Biasucci kick good | 10 | 0 |
| 2 | 2:14 | 15 | 80 | 8:01 | Jets | Hector 12-yard touchdown run, Leahy kick good | 10 | 7 |
| 3 | 7:58 | 4 | 4 | 2:43 | Colts | 44-yard field goal by Biasucci | 13 | 7 |
| 4 | 14:56 | 11 | 30 | 7:00 | Colts | 38-yard field goal by Biasucci | 16 | 7 |
| 4 | 9:21 | 9 | 28 | 4:45 | Colts | 33-yard field goal by Biasucci | 19 | 7 |
| 4 | 6:30 | 7 | 69 | 2:51 | Jets | Hector 20-yard touchdown run, Leahy kick good | 19 | 14 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 19 | 14 |
On October 31, the Los Angeles Rams traded Eric Dickerson to the Indianapolis Colts in a three team trade involving the Buffalo Bills. The Rams sent Dickerson to the Colts for six draft choices and two players. Buffalo obtained the rights to Cornelius Bennett from Indianapolis. Buffalo sent running back Greg Bell and three draft choices to the Rams, while Indianapolis added Owen Gill and three of their own draft picks to complete the deal with the Rams.

#### Week 9: vs. San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Chargers | 0 | 0 | 6 | 10 | 16 |
| Colts | 3 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: November 8
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (played indoors)
* Game attendance: 54,009
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert (play-by-play) and Joe Namath (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| SD | Passing | Dan Fouts | 16/30, 214 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs |
| SD | Rushing | Curtis Adams | 13 CAR, 52 YDS |
| SD | Receiving | Wes Chandler | 4 REC, 73 YDS |
| IND | Passing | Jack Trudeau | 12/18, 127 YDS |
| IND | Rushing | Eric Dickerson | 35 CAR, 138 YDS |
| IND | Receiving | Matt Bouza | 3 REC, 53 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | SD | IND |
| 1 | 6:26 | 16 | 59 | 8:34 | Colts | 37-yard field goal by Biasucci | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | 10:39 | 4 | 5 | 1:31 | Colts | 27-yard field goal by Biasucci | 0 | 6 |
| 2 | 0:55 | 13 | 80 | 6:28 | Colts | Bentley 8-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 0 | 13 |
| 3 | 11:04 | 10 | 55 | 3:56 | Chargers | 42-yard field goal by Abbott | 3 | 13 |
| 3 | 3:12 | 6 | 21 | 2:43 | Chargers | 37-yard field goal by Abbott | 6 | 13 |
| 4 | 12:47 | 7 | 47 | 2:55 | Chargers | James 5-yard touchdown reception from Fouts, Abbott kick good | 13 | 13 |
| 4 | 0:12 | 11 | 59 | 3:54 | Chargers | 39-yard field goal by Abbott | 16 | 13 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 16 | 13 |

#### Week 10: at Miami Dolphins

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 7 | 13 | 3 | 17 | 40 |
| Dolphins | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 21 |
at Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
* Date: November 15
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 77 °F (25 °C); relative humidity 76%; wind 14 miles per hour (23 km/h; 12 kn) (Scattered Clouds)
* Game attendance: 65,433
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg (play-by-play) and Merlin Olsen (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| IND | Passing | Gary Hogeboom | 22/37, 218 YDS, 1 TD |
| IND | Rushing | Eric Dickerson | 30 CAR, 154 YDS, 1 TD |
| IND | Receiving | Matt Bouza | 5 REC, 61 YDS |
| MIA | Passing | Dan Marino | 14/34, 194 YDS, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
| MIA | Rushing | Troy Stradford | 8 CAR, 28 YDS |
| MIA | Receiving | Tony Nathan | 4 REC, 31 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | IND | MIA |
| 1 | 12:07 | 4 | 57 | 1:03 | Dolphins | Hampton 6-yard touchdown run, Reveiz kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 5:08 | 9 | 62 | 4:32 | Dolphins | Johnson 4-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Reveiz kick good | 0 | 14 |
| 1 | 0:56 | 10 | 77 | 4:12 | Colts | Dickerson 4-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 7 | 14 |
| 2 | 14:11 | 2 | 27 | 0:49 | Colts | Brooks 7-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Biasucci kick good | 14 | 14 |
| 2 | 5:19 | 6 | 20 | 1:47 | Colts | 22-yard field goal by Biasucci | 17 | 14 |
| 2 | 0:48 | 10 | 81 | 3:31 | Dolphins | Banks 10-yard touchdown reception from Marino, Reveiz kick good | 17 | 21 |
| 2 | 0:00 | 5 | 39 | 0:48 | Colts | 32-yard field goal by Biasucci | 20 | 21 |
| 3 | 1:12 | 19 | 90 | 8:36 | Colts | 25-yard field goal by Biasucci | 23 | 21 |
| 4 | 9:22 | 13 | 60 | 5:38 | Colts | 23-yard field goal by Biasucci | 26 | 21 |
| 4 | 3:36 | 8 | 55 | 3:41 | Colts | Bentley 17-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 33 | 21 |
| 4 | 1:03 | 6 | 26 | 1:58 | Colts | Bentley 2-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 40 | 21 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 40 | 21 |

#### Week 11: at New England Patriots

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Patriots | 0 | 10 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
at Sullivan Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
* Date: November 22
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 24 °F (−4 °C); relative humidity 44%; wind 33 miles per hour (53 km/h; 29 kn); wind chill 9 °F (−13 °C) (Sunny)
* Game attendance: 56,906
* Referee: Gordon McCarter
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Bob Trumpy (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| IND | Passing | Gary Hogeboom | 10/20, 122 YDS, 3 INTs |
| IND | Rushing | Eric Dickerson | 27 CAR, 117 YDS |
| IND | Receiving | Bill Brooks | 5 REC, 72 YDS |
| NE | Passing | Tom Ramsey | 12/26, 183 YDS, 1 TD |
| NE | Rushing | Bob Perryman | 10 CAR, 73 YDS |
| NE | Receiving | Stanley Morgan | 5 REC, 102 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | IND | NE |
| 2 | 14:56 | 9 | 82 | 3:53 | Patriots | Fryar 8-yard touchdown reception from Ramsey, Franklin kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | 1:08 | 5 | 24 | 0:40 | Patriots | 34-yard field goal by Franklin | 0 | 10 |
| 3 | 9:16 | — | — | — | Patriots | Scott returned blocked punt 3 yards for a touchdown, Franklin kick good | 0 | 17 |
| 3 | 2:32 | — | — | — | Patriots | Interception returned 45 yards for touchdown by Lippett, Franklin kick good | 0 | 24 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 0 | 24 |

#### Week 12: vs. Houston Oilers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Oilers | 0 | 10 | 7 | 10 | 27 |
| Colts | 7 | 21 | 3 | 20 | 51 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: November 29
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (played indoors)
* Game attendance: 54,009
* Referee: Bob Frederic
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Michael Jackson (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| HOU | Passing | Warren Moon | 24/44, 327 YDS, 3 TDs, 2 INTs |
| HOU | Rushing | Mike Rozier | 26 CAR, 122 YDS |
| HOU | Receiving | Drew Hill | 7 REC, 134 YDS, 2 TDs |
| IND | Passing | Gary Hogeboom | 8/15, 149 YDS, 1 TD |
| IND | Rushing | Eric Dickerson | 27 CAR, 136 YDS, 2 TDs |
| IND | Receiving | Matt Bouza | 3 REC, 29 YDS, 1 TD |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | HOU | IND |
| 1 | 11:07 | 9 | 82 | 3:53 | Colts | Dickerson 19-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 2 | 14:54 | 10 | 41 | 4:27 | Oilers | 28-yard field goal by Zendejas | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | 13:21 | 3 | 76 | 1:33 | Colts | Bentley 72-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Biasucci kick good | 3 | 14 |
| 2 | 12:19 | 2 | 27 | 0:51 | Colts | Dickerson 13-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 3 | 21 |
| 2 | 5:41 | 8 | 85 | 4:38 | Oilers | Hill 7-yard touchdown reception from Moon, Zendejas kick good | 10 | 21 |
| 2 | 0:10 | 5 | 68 | 0:34 | Colts | Bentley 22-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Biasucci kick good | 10 | 28 |
| 3 | 9:39 | 8 | 30 | 4:18 | Colts | 36-yard field goal by Biasucci | 10 | 31 |
| 3 | 2:27 | 15 | 80 | 7:12 | Oilers | Williams 7-yard touchdown reception from Moon, Zendejas kick good | 17 | 31 |
| 4 | 13:22 | 4 | -3 | 1:55 | Oilers | 44-yard field goal by Zendejas | 20 | 31 |
| 4 | 5:50 | 4 | 38 | 2:14 | Colts | Bouza 4-yard touchdown reception from Trudeau, Biasucci kick good | 20 | 41 |
| 4 | 4:48 | 4 | 83 | 1:46 | Oilers | Hill 40-yard touchdown reception from Moon, Zendejas kick good | 27 | 41 |
| 4 | 9:05 | 4 | 3 | 1:52 | Colts | 45-yard field goal by Biasucci | 20 | 34 |
| 4 | 1:56 | 7 | 17 | 2:52 | Colts | 49-yard field goal by Biasucci | 27 | 44 |
| 4 | 0:06 | 3 | 11 | 1:27 | Colts | Wonsley 2-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 27 | 51 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 27 | 51 |

#### Week 13: at Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Browns | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 |
at Cleveland Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
* Date: December 6
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 32 °F (0 °C); relative humidity 74%; wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn); wind chill 26 °F (−3 °C)
* Game attendance: 70,661
* Referee: Dick Jorgensen
* TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones (play-by-play) and Jimmy Cefalo (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| IND | Passing | Jack Trudeau | 20/34, 192 YDS |
| IND | Rushing | Eric Dickerson | 27 CAR, 98 YDS |
| IND | Receiving | Bill Brooks | 7 REC, 85 YDS |
| CLE | Passing | Bernie Kosar | 16/35, 178 YDS, 1 TD |
| CLE | Rushing | Kevin Mack | 16 CAR, 61 YDS |
| CLE | Receiving | Webster Slaughter | 4 REC, 56 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | IND | CLE |
| 2 | 8:44 | 5 | 21 | 1:53 | Colts | 33-yard field goal by Biasucci | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | 4:00 | 7 | 44 | 3:39 | Colts | 37-yard field goal by Biasucci | 6 | 0 |
| 2 | 0:09 | 10 | 62 | 1:55 | Colts | 41-yard field goal by Biasucci | 9 | 0 |
| 3 | 3:38 | 5 | 36 | 3:08 | Browns | Brennan 19-yard touchdown reception from Kosar, Jaeger kick good | 9 | 7 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 9 | 7 |

#### Week 14: vs. Buffalo Bills

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Bills | 7 | 6 | 0 | 14 | 27 |
| Colts | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: December 13
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (played indoors)
* Game attendance: 60,253
* Referee: Pat Haggerty
* TV announcers (NBC): Tom Hammond (play-by-play) and Dave Lapham (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| BUF | Passing | Jim Kelly | 18/34, 167 YDS, 2 TDs |
| BUF | Rushing | Ronnie Harmon | 18 CAR, 85 YDS |
| BUF | Receiving | Chris Burkett | 4 REC, 62 YDS |
| IND | Passing | Jack Trudeau | 6/15, 78 YDS, 2 INTs |
| IND | Rushing | Eric Dickerson | 11 CAR, 19 YDS |
| IND | Receiving | Bill Brooks | 5 REC, 55 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | BUF | IND |
| 1 | 7:49 | 13 | 75 | 7:11 | Bills | Harmon 12-yard touchdown reception from Kelly, Norwood kick good | 7 | 0 |
| 2 | 13:43 | 6 | 25 | 1:48 | Bills | 39-yard field goal by Norwood | 7 | 3 |
| 2 | 8:07 | 4 | 9 | 1:43 | Colts | 30-yard field goal by Biasucci | 10 | 3 |
| 2 | 1:57 | 13 | 69 | 6:10 | Bills | 25-yard field goal by Norwood | 13 | 3 |
| 4 | 9:38 | 11 | 56 | 5:08 | Bills | Johnson 8-yard touchdown reception from Kelly, Norwood kick good | 20 | 3 |
| 4 | 1:11 | — | — | — | Bills | Fumble recovery returned 0 yards for touchdown by Smith, Norwood kick good | 27 | 3 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 27 | 3 |

#### Week 15: at San Diego Chargers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 7 | 6 | 0 | 7 | 20 |
| Chargers | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California
* Date: December 20
* Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST/1:00 p.m. PST
* Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C); relative humidity 80%; wind 7 miles per hour (11 km/h; 6.1 kn)
* Game attendance: 46,211
* Referee: Jerry Markbreit
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Paul Maguire (color commentator)
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
| IND | Passing | Jack Trudeau | 20/39, 201 YDS, 1 TD |
| IND | Rushing | Eric Dickerson | 23 CAR, 115 YDS |
| IND | Receiving | Matt Bouza | 5 REC, 35 YDS |
| SD | Passing | Dan Fouts | 22/37, 257 YDS, 3 INTs |
| SD | Rushing | Curtis Adams | 7 CAR, 26 YDS |
| SD | Receiving | Gary Anderson | 7 REC, 68 YDS |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | IND | SD |
| 1 | 7:59 | 13 | 74 | 7:01 | Chargers | Fouts 1-yard touchdown run, Abbott kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 2:53 | 7 | 74 | 2:54 | Colts | Brooks 42-yard touchdown reception from Hogeboom, Biasucci kick good | 7 | 7 |
| 2 | 3:18 | 12 | 47 | 6:02 | Colts | 36-yard field goal by Biasucci | 10 | 7 |
| 2 | 0:01 | 9 | 41 | 1:07 | Colts | 41-yard field goal by Biasucci | 13 | 7 |
| 4 | 1:53 | 3 | 68 | 0:57 | Colts | Bentley 3-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 20 | 7 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 20 | 7 |

#### Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Buccaneers | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 |
| Colts | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 24 |
at Hoosier Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
* Date: December 27
* Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
* Game weather: None (played indoors)
* Game attendance: 60,468
* Referee: Jim Tunney
* TV announcers (CBS): Jim Lampley (play-by-play), Ken Stabler (color commentator) and Will McDonough (sideline reporter)
| Team | Category |
| TB | Passing |
| TB | Rushing |
| TB | Receiving |
| IND | Passing |
| IND | Rushing |
| IND | Receiving |
Scoring summary :
| Quarter | Time | Drive | Drive | Drive | Team | Scoring information | Score | Score |
| Quarter | Time | Plays | Yards | TOP | Team | Scoring information | TB | IND |
| 1 | 11:43 | 7 | 84 | 3:17 | Colts | Dickerson 6-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 0 | 7 |
| 1 | 4:02 | 7 | 39 | 2:54 | Buccaneers | 38-yard field goal by Igwebuike | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | 0:08 | 8 | 68 | 0:58 | Colts | 30-yard field goal by Biasucci | 3 | 10 |
| 3 | 5:39 | 2 | 70 | 1:05 | Colts | Dickerson 34-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 3 | 17 |
| 4 | 11:49 | 9 | 60 | 2:05 | Buccaneers | 39-yard field goal by Igwebuike | 6 | 17 |
| 4 | 7:54 | 6 | 46 | 3:55 | Colts | Bentley 2-yard touchdown run, Biasucci kick good | 6 | 24 |
| "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | "TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. | 6 | 24 |

### Standings

AFC East :
| viewtalkedit | W | L | T | PCT | DIV | CONF | PF | PA | STK |
| Indianapolis Colts$^{(3)}$ | 9 | 6 | 0 | .600 | 5–3 | 8–6 | 300 | 238 | W2 |
| New England Patriots | 8 | 7 | 0 | .533 | 6–2 | 8–4 | 320 | 293 | W3 |
| Miami Dolphins | 8 | 7 | 0 | .533 | 2–6 | 5–7 | 362 | 335 | L1 |
| Buffalo Bills | 7 | 8 | 0 | .467 | 4–4 | 6–6 | 270 | 305 | L2 |
| New York Jets | 6 | 9 | 0 | .400 | 3–5 | 6–5 | 334 | 360 | L4 |

## Playoffs

| Playoff Round | Date | Opponent (seed) | Time | TV | Result | Record | Game Site | Attendance | Recap |
| Wild Card | First-round Bye | First-round Bye | First-round Bye | First-round Bye | First-round Bye | First-round Bye | First-round Bye | First-round Bye | First-round Bye |
| Divisional | January 9 | at Cleveland Browns (2) | 12:30 p.m. EST | NBC | L 21–38 | 0–1 | Cleveland Stadium | 78,586 | Recap |

### Game summaries
#### AFC Divisional Playoffs: at (A2) Cleveland Browns

| Quarter | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Colts | 7 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
| Browns | 7 | 7 | 7 | 17 | 38 |
at Cleveland Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
* Date: January 9, 1988
* Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
* Game weather: 16 °F (−9 °C)
* Game attendance: 78,546
* Referee: Red Cashion
* TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui, Bob Trumpy, Paul Maguire, and Ahmad Rashad
* Box score
Game information :
First quarter
CLE – Earnest Byner 10-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 7–0.
IND – Pat Beach 2-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick). Tied 7–7.
Second quarter
CLE – Reggie Langhorne 39-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 14–7.
IND – Eric Dickerson 19-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Dean Biasucci kick). Tied 14–14.
Third quarter
CLE – Earnest Byner 2-yard run (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 21–14.
Fourth quarter
CLE – Matt Bahr 22-yard field goal. Browns 24–14.
CLE – Brian Brennan 2-yard pass from Bernie Kosar (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 31–14.
IND – Albert Bentley 1-yard run (Dean Biasucci kick). Browns 31–21.
CLE – Frank Minnifield 48-yard interception return (Matt Bahr kick). Browns 38–21.
Top passers
IND – Jack Trudeau – 21/33, 251 yards, 2 TD, INT
CLE – Bernie Kosar – 20/31, 229 yards, 3 TD, INT
Top rushers
IND – Eric Dickerson – 15 rushes, 50 yards
CLE – Earnest Byner – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD
Top rushers
IND – Bill Brooks – 5 receptions, 78 yards
CLE – Ozzie Newsome – 4 receptions, 65 yards :