INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Peyton Manning threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone Sunday and Dominic Rhodes rushed for a season-high 177 yards and two scores as the Indianapolis Colts snapped a four-game losing streak with a 41-27 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
The loss was the third in a row for the Falcons (6-7), who trail New Orleans (7-5) for the third and final NFC wild card spot.
A Pro Bowler each of the previous two seasons, Manning threw three interceptions in last Monday night's 41-6 loss at Miami to increase his NFL-high total to 20.
Seeking to atone for that performance and facing a team that ranks second-to-last in the league against the pass, Manning came out firing, completing 17 of 21 and hitting tight ends Marcus Pollard and Ken Dilger and NFL Europe receiver Trevor Insley with touchdowns.
Rhodes, an undrafted rookie from Midwest Texas State, rushed for 90 yards on 15 carries in the first half and 87 yards on 14 carries in the second half.
After being scorched by St. Louis' Kurt Warner for 342 passing yards two weeks ago, the Falcons had to deal with an angry Manning and were probably guilty of underestimating Rhodes.
Atlanta's Chris Chandler, who started his career with the Colts and played in Indianapolis for two seasons (1988-89), passed for two touchdowns.
The Colts improved to 11-1 all-time against the Falcons.
