Peyton Manning to Start Divisional Round Playoff Game

After all the speculation, the Denver Broncos and Head Coach Gary Kubiak made the announcement on Thursday that Peyton Manning will in fact start under center for their Divisional round playoff game.

Peyton Manning has not started a game since November 15th against the Kansas City Chiefs due to a plantar fascia injury. Brock Osweiler started 7 games for the Denver Broncos in Peyton Manning’s absence, going 5-2 under center. 

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It won’t surprise many that Gary Kubiak went with Peyton Manning, a 5-time NFL MVP for the playoffs. Peyton Manning has developed quite the playoff resume over the course of his storied career, while Brock Osweiler has none. If I’m Gary Kubiak, I’m going with the quarterback with the most playoff experience.

Not to diminish what Brock Osweiler did while he was starting for the Denver Broncos while Peyton Manning was dealing with an injury, but with a healthier Peyton Manning helming the offense, I’m more confident in the somewhat inconsistent Broncos offense. And if Peyton Manning proves ineffective, Brock Osweiler can come in.

We saw the inverse of this last week as Gary Kubiak inserted Peyton Manning back at QB last week against San Diego while the Denver offense was struggling. Peyton Manning threw for 69 yards on 5-9 passing. His return provided a morale boost to help the Broncos overcome a 13-7 deficit.

Next: Denver Broncos: Most Favorable Divisional Round Opponent?

For ongoing updates leading up to the playoffs, keep it here at Mile High Maniac.