Peyton Manning slumped off the field towards an uncertain future following Denver's divisional playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, with many wondering if they had seen the last of one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks.

If Sunday’s game was his last it would mark a humble exit for the five-time league most valuable player, who gave himself a failing grade in a 24-13 loss to the Colts.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock at a subdued Sport Authority Field, TV commentators were already wondering if a weary-looking 38-year-old Manning would return for an 18th season.

At the post-game news conference it was one of the first questions put to Manning, who sidestepped the query far better than he earlier evaded the Indianapolis pass rush.

“My mindset right now is just disappointment after today’s game,” said Manning. “I kind of need to process this game and we’ll meet tomorrow . . I’m disappointed right now. . . I didn’t play well enough today.”

Manning built a Hall of Fame career in Indianapolis, rewriting the record books and taking the Colts to a Super Bowl before moving onto Denver in 2012 when the Colts decided their future lay with the Andrew Luck, who they took with the number one overall pick in that year's draft.

Career record

During the regular season Manning set the career record for most touchdown passes and his 69,691 career passing yards are second only to Brett Favre. If there is one cloud hanging over Manning’s brilliant career it is that despite all the individual honours and awards, his Hall of Fame resume includes just one Super Bowl win in three trips to the championship game.

In 24 playoff games his record is a pedestrian 11-13 and Sunday’s loss to the Colts may go down as one of his worst.

Broncos fans had little to cheer after Manning engineered a touchdown drive on Denver’s opening possession.

The Colts move onto the AFC championship next Sunday against the New England Patriots.