The Indianapolis Colts remain undefeated in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos while they break the NFL record for consecutive regular season wins.

Even Peyton Manning’s inconsistency couldn’t derail history for the Indianapolis Colts.

Or preserve the NFL records of New England and San Francisco.

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

The Indianapolis Colts remain undefeated and broke the NFL record for consecutive regular season wins in Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos 28-16.

Peyton Manning passed for four touchdowns, three to Dallas Clark, as Indianapolis eclipsed the New England Patriots’ string of 21 victories between 2006 and 2008.

The Colts (13-0) have not lost a regular season game since falling to the Tennessee Titans 31-21 in October 2008.

Indianapolis also wrapped up home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs and became the most successful NFL team in any decade with their 114th victory since 2000. The San Francisco 49ers held the previous record of 113 wins in the 1990s.

The numbers don’t lie. The running game of the Denver Broncos is on the upswing in time for the stretch run.

The team ran for 136 yards against the New York Giants and a week ago amassed 245 yards on the ground against Kansas City’s defense.

“I think we are pleased with what we’ve done the last few weeks,” Denver coach Josh McDaniels said. “We’ve done it by showing improvement in a number of areas.”

That includes Denver’s output on short-yardage and goal line situations and a reduction to almost no negative plays when the Broncos are running.

Luckily for the Denver Broncos, they had that four-game, midseason losing streak. Otherwise they would be joining the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints, both 12-0, in the distraction that is the quest for an undefeated season.

“I understand some of those questions might start to increase,” said Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, “but I think one thing we have done is address the team we have coming up.”

There is good reason to suspect Manning speaks sincerely. Experience has taught him the accomplishment of regular-season winning streaks can ultimately become hollow.

Chris Johnson, the incredible Tennessee Titans running back dashing at a 2,000-yard pace, doesn’t have a chance.

Neither does Philip Rivers, the puckish San Diego Chargers quarterback who has led his team on a seven-game winning streak, rendering irrelevant its 2-3 start.

Even Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre, the ancient miracle man of the frozen North, is finding it difficult to compete with the two beasts devouring the rest of the NFL.

With the season officially entering its fourth quarter, though, we shouldn’t dismiss Favre.

As the NFL season progresses, each game becomes increasingly more important, unless you’re the Indianapolis Colts and already have a playoff spot wrapped up. Many teams got much needed wins (Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins & NY Giants), while others were not so fortunate (Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings & San Francisco 49ers).

Because so many NFL players have a live, unfiltered feed to their fans through Twitter, Sunday afternoons and evenings make for an entertaining cap to each week.

Stephen Alexander and Jeb Putzier were the tight ends. Charlie Adams was the No. 3 receiver. Courtney Brown was a defensive end. Kyle Johnson was a frequently used fullback.

Jake Plummer was the quarterback.

It’s been so long since the Broncos were in the playoffs, only three starting players remain from that 2005 season.

It should be safe to plan for those January football parties. After embarrassing the Kansas City Chiefs, 44-13, on an otherwise gloomy December — that’s right, December — afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium — that’s right, Arrowhead — the Broncos are in great position to extend their season beyond the regular 16 games.

Most contemporary football fans are unfamiliar with the name John Mackey. He was a rugged tight end for the 1960s Baltimore (now Indianapolis) Colts. Chicago fans may be skeptical, but in his heyday Mackey was just as tough as his Bears’ counterpart, Mike Ditka. The Sporting News rated Mackey the top tight end in National Football League history; Ditka was third.

But since retirement, their personal histories have diverged. Today, Ditka is a vigorous, high-profile pitchman doing network football commentary. Mackey resides in an assisted-living facility, unable to care for himself.

Despite the fact that neither their starting QB Carson Palmer nor his Indy counterpart Peyton Manning saw action, the Cincinnati Bengals will take their wins however and whenever they can get them. For that reason, they had to be heartened by their NFL preseason ending 38-7 home rout of the Indianapolis Colts. The Bengals rushing game put 296 yards on the board and Cincinnati trounced Indianapolis in every significant offense statistical category.

The Bengals easily covered as a -3 home favorite, evening their NFL preseason record against the spread at 2-2. The Colts ATS mark also matched their SU record, dropping to 1-3 on the exhibition season. The combined 45 points went OVER the posted total of 36.