Peyton Manning: Consecutive Touchdown Streak Ends At 51 Games, But Broncos Hang On To Defeat Bills

Peyton Manning can forget about setting the record for consecutive games with a touchdown, but he likely won’t care as the Denver Broncos found a way to hang on and win an ugly game to remain in contention for the top spot in the AFC.

The Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills 24-17 on Sunday, a game in which the Buffalo defense held Manning to 14 of 23 for 170 yards, two interceptions and no touchdowns.

Denver instead relied on a potent ground attack, with C.J. Anderson running for three touchdowns despite dealing with a persistently hurting ankle. The win put the Broncos at 10-3, their third straight win since adopting a more run-heavy offense.

After the game, Peyton Manning didn’t seem to mind too much about losing his chance at an NFL record. Manning had thrown touchdowns in 51 straight games, three behind Drew Brees for the most all time.

“I hope fans will still keep coming to the games,” Manning deadpanned.

Manning said he enjoyed watching Anderson on Sunday. The former third-string running back had 21 carries for 58 yards, but made first downs and got into the endzone when needed.

“Sometimes I get a minus on my grade sheet for not carrying out my fake, but I like to kind of watch him,” Manning said. “He makes a lot of guys miss.”

Peyton Manning was also able to avoid what is likely the best pass rush in the league. The Bills came in leading the league in sacks, but failed to get to Manning at all.

Manning may have had a good chance at keeping his streak alive late in the first half after hitting tight end Jacob Tamme inside the 10 yard line. But Bills safety Duke Williams hit Tamme hard and jarred the ball loose, with the Bills recovering to stop the threat.

It has already been a record-setting year for Peyton Manning. He topped a personal milestone of 500 career touchdown passes, and later in the season topped current record holder Brett Favre for the NFL record with touchdown pass number 509.