BROCK OSWEILER HELPED the Denver Broncos to a 25-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Thursday Night Football.

With one throw in the third quarter, Osweiler reminded everyone why the Houston Texans were willing to spend $72million on him last year; the quarterback’s 54-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jeff Heuerman helped lift the Broncos.

The touchdown pass was perhaps Osweiler’s best throw of the season as he hit Heuerman in stride over the middle.

Thursday’s game did not mean much as both the Broncos (5-9) and Colts (3-11) have been eliminated from playoff contention. But as the teams prepare for the future, Osweiler made his case to be in the mix for the Broncos quarterback job next season.

Osweiler was a second-round pick of Denver in 2012 and started seven games in 2015 to help the Broncos win Super Bowl 50.

He then left to sign a four-year, $72m contract with the Texans but was traded to the Cleveland Browns after one disappointing season. When the Browns released him in September, the Broncos brought him back. He has appeared in five games with three starts this year and has 895 passing yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride, but I love this organisation,” Osweiler told NBC Sports. “Coming out to be able to get a win on Thursday night, I was like a little kid just having fun.”

The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):