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Philip Rivers has made his return to the NFL. The veteran quarterback came out of retirement after four and a half years to fill in for the injury-riddled Indianapolis Colts. 

Rivers was not the spark that the Colts needed to end their three-game losing streak in Week 15, but he played well. He finished with 120 yards, a touchdown and an interception, with the pick coming on the final play of the game. 

Indianapolis heads into Week 16 with an 8-6 record, riding a four-game losing streak. The 41-year-old Rivers has had another week to get used to the playbook, and will try to keep Indianapolis firmly in the playoff hunt by leading the Colts against the San Francisco 49ers to end Week 16 on “Monday Night Football.”

The Sporting News is tracking Rivers’ stats live as he takes on the 49ers for MNF in Week 16. 

STREAM: Watch 49ers vs. Colts live with Fubo (free trial)

Colts vs. 49ers score

 

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

Philip Rivers stats today

  • Completions/Attempts: 12/17
  • Passing Yards: 153
  • AVG: 9.0
  • Passing TDs: 2
  • INTs: 0
  • Rating: 137.6
  • Rushing Yards: 0
  • Rushing TDs: 0

MORE: Full live updates, highlights from Colts vs. 49ers

Philip Rivers live updates, highlights from Colts vs. 49ers

All times ET. 

9:24 p.m. —  Rivers’ hot start cools down a tad, as the Colts punt halfway through the second quarter, trailing 21-14. On the run evading pressure, Rivers put a pass in a nice spot for Pittman on third down, but it wasn’t enough for the first down.

Rivers also took a sack on the drive.

9:22 p.m. — Purdy has now thrown three touchdowns for the 49ers in the first half. Can Rivers keep up?

9:01 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Philip Rivers is putting on a show. The 44-year-old has another touchdown pass already, going to Alec Pierce again to tie the game at 14. Two drives in, and he has the Colts offense buzzing with his quick releases and on-point passes.

8:57 p.m. — At the end of the first quarter, Rivers if off to a red-hot start in his first home game. He threw for 121 yards against the 49ers, with a touchdown pass on a free play, but San Francisco already leads 14-7 thanks to a Colts fumble and two Brock Purdy scoring passes.

8:42 p.m. — The 49ers answer with a touchdown, then force a fumble on the following kickoff to prevent Rivers from getting the ball back quite yet.

8:28 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — The Colts’ playcalling has been straightforward: Philip Rivers gets the ball out quick, and allows his playmakers to do the work. It was successful on drive No. 1. On a free play, Rivers unloads a 20-yard touchdown pass to Alec Pierce.

Indianapolis takes the first lead, and Rivers went for 73 passing yards on that drive alone.

8:24 p.m. — With two quick passes to Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs, Rivers has the Colts on the move for their opening drive.

8:19 p.m. — The Colts begin with the football for Monday night. Rivers’ first throw was deep, but underthrown while targeting Michael Pittman.

8:18 p.m. — Rivers had a moment, waving to his full family in attendance for tonight’s game.

8:17 p.m. — Philip Rivers is ready to make his home debut for the Colts.

MORE: Updated AFC, NFC playoff picture in Week 16

How to watch the NFL game tonight

Colts vs. 49ers start time

  • Date: Monday, December 22
  • Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET

Week 16’s “Monday Night Football” game between the 49ers and the Colts will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET. 

Joe Buck will be the play-by-play analyst for the game, with Troy Aikman serving as the color commentator. Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will be the sideline reporters for the game. 

What channel is Colts vs. 49ers on today?

  • Date: Monday, December 22
  • TV Channel: ESPN, ABC
  • Live stream: ESPN App, Fubo

The Week 16 matchup between the 49ers and the Colts will be broadcast on ESPN, and simulcast on ABC. There is no ManningCast this week as the former quarterback duo will return in Week 18.

A live stream will be available on the ESPN App as well as Fubo, which carries ESPN and ABC in its channel lineup and is currently offering a free trial. 

MORE: Updated 2026 NFL Draft order in Week 16

Colts remaining schedule

Here is how Indianapolis will end the 2025 regular season

Date Matchup Time (ET)
Sun., Dec. 28 vs. Jaguars 1 p.m.
TBD at Texans TBD
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