Fantasy Football: Who To Draft – Peyton Manning or Aaron Rodgers

Oct 20, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Why You Need to Draft Peyton Manning

Manning defied age and logic in 2013, as he put up new NFL records for touchdowns (55) and passing yardage (5,477) at 37 years old. He’ll be 38 in 2014, but he still has the same exact weapons and offense that helped him dominate the fantasy scene a year ago. The beauty is he’s lost something on his deep ball and throws ducks at times, but his ball placement, preparation, chemistry and timing still is probably near the top of the league.

We are in an era where age doesn’t factor quite into athletics as much as it used to – especially if the player is healthy. Manning should still be protected fairly well and a healthy running game should help keep defenses honest. There will be a natural drop off, but even if Manning lost 1,000 passing yards and 15 passing scores, he’d still boast 4,400 passing yards and 40 touchdowns. That’d be good for about 336 fantasy points and a comfortable third place finish in 2013. Considering Manning easily put up over 4,600 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2012, a year after missing an entire NFL season, that drop off might even be a bit harsh.

He’s not going to break records again this year, but he could still come close.