Manning To Ride With Broncos

Peyton Manning must have a thing for horses. He’s gone from playing with Colts to riding with the Broncos. That’s what happened Tuesday, when Peyton Manning agreed to a five-year, $95 million contract with the Denver Broncos.

According to the NFL experts, Manning picked the Denver Broncos after reducing his NFL wish-list to six teams, a list that also included the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans.

The big question is: Why did Peyton Manning sign with the Denver Broncos? Only he knows for sure, but here are three big reasons why the Broncos looked attractive to Manning:

1. Peyton is comfortable and familiar with the AFC. That knocks out the 49ers and Cardinals out of the picture.
2. The Broncos, playing in the weakest division, the AFC Central, have the best chance of making the playoffs. Check off the Houston Texans, Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans.
3. Even after the Manning signing, the Broncos still have nearly $40 million in salary cap room. That means they have the funds to seek quality free agents to build around their new Superstar quarterback.

Before you go and make Denver the favorite to win the 2012 Super Bowl, think about this…

While the Broncos led alll NFL teams in rushing yards during the 2011 regular season (2632 total rushing yards/164.5 yards per game), they ranked 31st in total passing with 2179 yards (152 per game) and last in pass attempts (429), completions (217) and completion percentage (50.6%).

Perhaps the Broncos rushing attack is perfect for Manning and his passing game. Defenses will have to put the same emphasis on stopping the run as the pass. That’s something Peyton didn’t have in Indianapolis. This balanced offensive attack should minimize the pressure on passing downs.

Peyton Manning and the Broncos will be interesting to watch in the 2012 NFL season. We’ll see how well Peyton does getting off the Colts and hoping on the Broncos.

Peyton Manning

When the NFL free agency period opened on Monday, March 5, both the New York Jets and Washington Redskins thought they had a realistic chance of signing future hall-of-famer Peyton Manning.  By Saturday morning, both teams were reported out of the Peyton Manning free agency race; making other big time moves instead

The Jets made no excuses earlier this week that they were flirting with free agent Peyton Manning, even if it meant hurting Mark Sanchez’s feelings. But once they realized that a Jets-Peyton Manning marriage wasn’t in the cards, the Jets immediately kissed and made up with Sanchez with a 3 year contract extension that includes a guaranteed $20.5 million.  With this new contract the Jets agreed in principal to a 3 year, $40.5 million extension on top of the two years he had remaining on his old contract.  I’m sure this 5-year $58.25 million deal has soothed Sanchez feelings.

Another team that was seeking the services of Manning was the Washington Redskins. But late yesterday, FOX sports reported that the Skins had decided to pass on free agent Peyton Manning but made a big move by swapping draft picks with the St. Louis Rams to acquire the second pick in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft.  It is highly anticipated that the Redskins will pick Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner  Rober Griffin III.

According to sources familiar with the Peyton Manning free agency market, 6 teams remain in the hunt.  The oddsmakers have the Miami Dolphins as the favorite, at EVEN odds. Next are the Denver Broncos – 3/1, Arizona Cardinals – 4/1, Kansas City Chiefs – 6/1, Houston Texans – 10/1 and the San Francisco 49ers – 10/1.

Peyton Manning has said he plan to make a decision by next week.  Expect Peyton to stay in the AFC.

sources: New York Post, FOX Sports, thebleacherreport.com

The NFC wildcard Sunday game will be played in the desert between the NFC West champion Arizona Cardinals and NFC wild card Green Bay Packers. The winner of this game gets to play next week in round two of the NFC playoffs. Based on our analysis, the Arizona Cardinals will win the game that will be decided by a field goal in the final two minutes. Lets size up the two teams. The betting line on the game is a Pickem. Over/under is 47 points.

The Green Bay Packers are lead by QB Aaron Rodgers. He has proven that he is a top-tier quarterback. He also has a deep, talented group of receivers. Expect the Pack to throw the football, especially in the area covered by Arizona CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who is nursing a knee injury.

The Cardinals counter with a great passing attack of their own. QB Kurt Warner to WR Larry Fitzgerald made sweet music together in 2008 but not as sweet in 2009. WR Anquan Boldin will be at less than 100% with ankle and knee injuries.

The running attack of the both the Packers and Cardinals are average at best but the Packers get the slight edge, especially if Rodgers is successful through the air – it will make their running game that much more effective.

This matchup is the hardest of the 4 NFL wildcard games to predict. But based on the experience of Cardinals QB Kurt Warner, them playing at home and their post-season experience in 2008 (making it all the way to the Superbowl) – we give the edge to the Cardinals.

Thenflthisweek.com prediction:

Cardinals 25 Packers 21