December 12, 2000

COLTS DEFEAT BILLS MONDAY NIGHT, 44-20

The Indianapolis Colts topped the Buffalo Bills 44-20 Monday night at the RCA Dome to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Colts were led by RB EDGERRIN JAMES, who rushed for 111 yards and 3 TDs on 27 carries, and the Indianapolis defense, which forced 3 turnovers and recorded 9 sacks. The defense scored 2 touchdowns -- CB JEFF BURRIS forcing a fumble that DE BERNARD HOLSEY returned 48 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, and CB MUSTAFAH MUHAMMAD adding a 40-yard interception return for a score in the fourth quarter.

The win kept Indianapolis (8-6) alive for an AFC playoff berth and eliminated the Bills (7-7). Indianapolis' victory also enabled the Denver Broncos to qualify for the postseason, joining the Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, and Tennessee Titans with two spots in the conference still open.