In a matchup of division leaders, the AFC North pace-setters struck first in Cincinnati.
Andy Dalton hit Marvin Jones for a 29-yard TD pass to give the Bengals a 7-0 first-quarter lead against AFC South-leading Indianapolis.
On the play, Jones beat Colts cornerback Vontae Davis, and Dalton lofted an on-target pass into the endzone for the second-year receiver from Cal.
The touchdown capped a drive in which Dalton completed 6-of-7 passes for 81 yards.