After missing a chip shot field goal that could have beaten San Diego a week ago and his first two field goal attempts today, Vinatieri connected on a 24-yard field goal with 4 seconds left to give Indianapolis a 13-10 victory over Kansas City.

The win ended a two-game losing streak for Indianapolis (8-2) and kept it atop the AFC South.

Kansas City (4-6) lost its third straight game in Brodie Croyle's first career start.

But it was another atypical game from the Colts' usually proficient air show.

Peyton Manning, the Super Bowl MVP, spent 3 1/2 quarters trying to find something that would work against the Chiefs defense and wound up struggling with a recast lineup that continues to be decimated by injuries.

He finished 16-of-32 for 163 yards with one interception and his lowest passer rating (52.0) in a regular-season game since September 2005 when he had a 44.0 against Jacksonville.

At halftime, the Colts had only 73 yards in offense and failed to score a first-half touchdown for the first time all season. Midway through the fourth quarter, Manning's passer rating was still hovering around 38.

Yet, tied 10-10 with 6:47 left, Manning masterfully led a 61-yard drive that used up nearly the entire clock.

Croyle finished 19-of-27 for 169 yards and threw a nifty 19-yard TD pass to Dwayne Bowe, which Bowe caught between his knees for the tying score late in the third quarter. He also lost a fumble that set up Vinatieri's first field goal late in the first half.