The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS — Peyton Manning threw for two touchdowns and Mike Hart ran for a career-high 84 yards as the Colts held on for a 30-17 victory over Houston.

Indianapolis has won three straight and the defending AFC champs have sole possession of the AFC South lead for the first time this season. The Colts also evened the season series with Houston (4-3) despite playing with a makeshift offense that was without All-Pro tight end Dallas Clark, receiver Austin Collie and running back Joseph Addai.

Manning was 26 of 45 for 268 yards.

Matt Schaub struggled early, finishing 22 of 38 for 201 yards with one TD and one interception for Houston.

The Colts built a 17-3 halftime lead and countered Houston punch for punch in the second half.