Rivers delivers big victory for Colts, old buddy Brees

As he headed off the field, Philip Rivers was as enthusiastic as ever.

“Huge win, huge win — great team win, what a second half !” Rivers, in his 17th NFL season, hollered into a Colts camera.

Because Rivers stayed on a good playoff track, Drew Brees could feel better Sunday night, too, in what was a big day for both former Chargers quarterbacks.

Start with Rivers, who’ll turn 39 next month and seeks his first division title in 11 years.

With the former San Diegan throwing three touchdown passes in the Midwest, the Colts (7-3) stayed atop the AFC South by defeating the Green Bay Packers in overtime, 34-31, in Indianapolis.

Brees, who’ll be 42 in January, should send new cowboy boots to his down-home friend and former San Diego teammate because the injured Saints quarterback now has a direct road to a playoff bye, a potentially huge advantage in the Super Bowl tournament.

With Brees sidelined while ESPN reported he has 11 rib fractures — six more than reported last week — the Saints (8-2) defeated the Falcons and moved past the Packers (7-3) for the NFC’s top seed thanks to Rivers and Co. overcoming a 14-point halftime deficit.

Count on Brees returning to the Saints next month, said former San Diego Chargers team physician Dr. David Chao last week. Brees, added Chao, should benefit from the down time.

As Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers heated up in the first half, driving his team to a 28-14 lead, it seemed Rivers was headed to second place.

The Colts have a better defense, though, than what the Chargers often supplied Rivers.

Fourth in the NFL in points,