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Even after long-awaited win, short week means Broncos are on to Indianapolis

Von Miller celebrated the win over the Jets briefly before moving on to prepare for the Colts. Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Denver Broncos waited more than two months to get a win and they got to enjoy it for all of 12 hours or so.

The 23-0 victory over the New York Jets Sunday was the Broncos' first since an Oct. 1 win over the Oakland Raiders. But the era of good feelings is a short one this week given the Broncos will play at the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night.

Coach Vance Joseph said Monday the celebration, albeit brief, was still worth noting.

"It's fun to win, it's fun to watch the players celebrate in the locker room after two months of playing hard, working hard, with no success," Joseph said. "Watch the guys celebrate and smile ... just to watch the joy in the locker room."

The Broncos' eight-game losing streak was the franchise's longest since 1967. Had the Broncos not defeated the Jets, the nine-game losing streak would have tied the franchise record for consecutive losses set in 1967.

That was not the kind of history they wanted to set, in a season that has already fallen far below preseason expectations. With the short turnaround before the game against the Colts linebacker Von Miller was even trying to tap the happiness brakes following Sunday's win.

"Getting the win … we haven't won in two months, we can't start with 'it was impressive to get the win' or anything like that," Miller said. "But it does feel good to go out there and get a win."

"To see nothing but smiles, we want to keep this feeling," is how safety Darian Stewart put it. "We want to go into Indy with a fresh mind and leave there with a win."

The Broncos emerged from the Jets game in fairly good shape on the injury front. Joseph said Monday safety Justin Simmons suffered a "mild high ankle sprain" when he stepped on linebacker Brandon Marshall's foot after Marshall's strip sack in the first quarter.

Simmons, who has started every game this season, will get treatment through the week and Joseph said "[we'll] see what's going to happen on Thursday."

"He's celebrating with Brandon Marshall after Brandon's sack fumble and he turned his ankle on Brandon's right foot, simple as that," Joseph said. "What do you say? Justin don't celebrate, don't have fun."

Linebacker Todd Davis had his already sore ankle treated during Sunday's game and he was also checked for a concussion. Joseph said reserve safety Jamal Carter also suffered a bruised shoulder in the game.

Nose tackle Domata Peko (knee) and guard Ron Leary (back) both missed the win over the Jets and will be evaluated this week.