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AP Photo/John Leyba
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It wasn’t about wining and dining for Peyton Manning. It was about meetings and more meetings. To say Peyton Manning was thorough in his process of picking the next chapter of his NFL life would be a major understatement. His decision does not come as a surprise.
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Peyton Manning chose to stay in the AFC. He is more familiar with the conference, plus it keeps the dream alive for a Manning Brother Super Bowl.
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Peyton does not inherit a great surrounding cast offensively, but he has been known to make those around him better. He does have a promising young receiver in Damaryius Thomas.
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The Broncos also offer a firm commitment to provide an adequate running game. The Broncos led the league last year with 2632 rushing yards.
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Obviously a lot of the running was due to the fact that they had Tim Tebow at quarterback. Not only is that a strength of Tebow’s game, but it also helped hide the serious flaw in his game, which was his passing ability.
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If Peyton is healthy, that will not be a problem.
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The Broncos also offer Peyton a rock solid defense and play in a very winnable division.
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A Peyton Manning signing will give John Elway the out he was looking for to get rid of Tim Tebow, if he so chooses to. If it were any other available QB there would have been backlash, but how can you be upset with your team for going after a future first ballot Hall of Famer.
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If they choose not to trade Tebow, he has one heckuva quarterback to learn from. Tebow and Peyton both have a tremendous work ethic. There isn’t likely a better QB for Tebow to work with.
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It will be interesting to see if San Francisco is able to bring back Alex Smith after courting Peyton or if they burned that bridge.
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Also check out:

• NFL Free Agent Flurry 2012: Fantasy Perspective Day 1
• NFL Free Agent Flurry 2012: Fantasy Perspective Day 2
• 2012 NFL Mock Draft
• Sportsguy 250′s 2012 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-15

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Now that Peyton Manning is officially a free agent, the suitors will begin lining up for the future Hall of Famer. One of those teams will be the Washington Redskins. While Daniel Snyder has the money to make it happen, I don’t think it will be the right fit.
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For starters, the Redskins do not have the necessary weapons for Peyton. I know he makes the players around him better, but given his recent injury history, that may not necessarily be the case right away. The Redskins could bring in a receiver or two in free agency, but the Skins don’t have the best track record with their signings.
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The Redskins are an NFC East team, which isn’t ideal for Manning for a couple of reasons. For starters, his brother plays in that division. After winning his second Super Bowl and throwing for more yards last year than Peyton ever has in a season, I’m not sure if Peyton would want to be compared to his brother in that way, especially with less surrounding talent. Not to mention any NFC team eliminates the possibility of an All-Manning Super Bowl.
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Plus, with his neck issues, going to a division that gets after the quarterback isn’t the best move. The Eagles were tied with Minnesota for the league lead with 50 sacks. The Giants were tied for third with 48 and the Cowboys were tied for seventh with 42. Meanwhile Washington was tied for 11th with 41 sacks allowed. Granted Peyton gets rid of the ball quickly, but he’d still subject himself to a lot of hits.
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He has also been allowed to call the shots for the bulk of his career. I don’t see that happening with Mike Shanahan. The likelihood that those two would butt heads is fairly high.
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The Redskins aren’t close to competing for a Super Bowl berth. Even if Peyton plays at a high level, the NFC East is far too competitive and the Redskins just don’t have the horses.
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Also check out:

• Why Peyton Manning Isn’t Right for the Jets
• Why the Colts Should Move on Peyton Manning
• 2012 NFL Mock Draft

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh
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The Super Bowl match-up of the Giants and Patriots was the Jets worst nightmare. They have to live in the shadow of the Giants in NYC and in the Patriots’ in the AFC East. Either way they looked bad, especially after they finished with about as much bad press as the Boston Red Sox did.
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There have been grumblings that the Jets’ players would like to sign Peyton Manning to replace Mark Sanchez when and if he’s released by the Colts. Would it make sense for the Jets? Yes and no.
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If you could guarantee that Peyton was going to be his normal self and be able to hold up all year, then it would be hard to pass on. I’m not sure if he alone would be enough to put the Jets over the top, but it would certainly get things pointed in the right direction.
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The problem is, you can’t count on that. The Jets already went down that road when they were Brett Favre’s landing spot. It started off great, but he got hurt and derailed the team. Obviously they would be in a much better place if Peyton went down because Mark Sanchez is more than capable of taking over, but it still would be a blow.
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Peyton Manning is a guy that prides himself getting more reps with his receivers and spending more time in the film room than anybody else. Santonio Holmes doesn’t strike me as a guy that would be willing to go the extra mile with Peyton.
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While Mark Sanchez received a great deal of criticism, especially from his own locker room, was it justified? This is a quarterback that had them knocking on the door of the Super Bowl for two straight years. This year didn’t end so well, but it doesn’t all fall on Sanchez. He completed a higher percentage of passes for more yards and more scores. Yes he threw 18 INTs, but he combined for 32 TDs (26 passing, six rushing).
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He did that with Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress disappearing at times.
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Finding a franchise quarterback isn’t easy. Sanchez may never put up numbers like Peyton has, but he’s 25. I can’t think of a bigger confidence booster than having a chance at Peyton and having your ownership and coaches choose you.
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Peyton will find a home, but it probably won’t be in New York.
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Also check out why the Colts should move on Peyton Manning.

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In a perfect world (at least if you are a Colts fan) it would have taking care of business in front of the home fans in Super Bowl XLVI.
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Obviously Peyton’s body had different plans and the Colts fans suffered through a humiliating 2-14 season, which was even worse than the matching 3-13 record the Colts had in the year leading up to the selection of Peyton Manning and his 1998 rookie season.
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2012 marks the fourth time the Colts landed the first overall pick since they moved to Indianapolis in 1984, a year after number one overall pick John Elway forced a trade to Denver. Two of the three years the Colts selected a quarterback with the first overall pick. Jeff George in 1990 and of course Peyton in 1998.
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Here we are 14 years later and the Colts don’t have a choice but to start over with “can’t miss” prospect Andrew Luck.
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Obviously there are factors that make the selection of Luck a foregone conclusion. Peyton will turn 36 next month. I know Brett Favre became a grandpa amd played six season at 36 or greater before he left the game in a ball of flames. Of those six seasons though, only two did Favre throw more TDs than INTs.
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Favre didn’t have the injury concern that Peyton has. Favre didn’t miss a start until he turned 41. Though Peyton never missed a start before this year, he missed an entire season. He has had multiple neck surgeries. That alone would be enough to scare off most teams.
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Sure, you could keep Peyton around and develop Andrew Luck. The problem is, you end up risking to have the same scenario that the Packers experienced when they basically had to force Brett Favre out the door. There probably won’t be a better time to move on Peyton.
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For starters, the Colts fans got a glimpse of life after Peyton and it wasn’t pretty. We have heard how good Andrew Luck has been for two years. How could even the most loyal of Peyton/Colts fans not get excited about possibly landing the next Peyton Manning? Having the Super Bowl in their backyard also helps matters. They got to experience what they were missing first hand.
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There is actually talk in some circles that Eli has become a better QB than Peyton. Maybe at this present time, and maybe over the rest of Peyton’s career, but let’s not forget what Peyton has been. Eli has two rings, but it’s a team game. Trent Dilfer is not better than Dan Marino because he won a trophy.
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The other reason why it’s time to move on for Peyton is the $28 million roster bonus that is due in March. Jim Irsay simply can’t put the organization at risk by making that payment.
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Where he lands is up for debate. To paraphrase Semisonic, he doesn’t have to go home, but he can’t stay here.

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The Peyton Manning drama continues to unfold. I wasn’t buying it at first. I think you can credit Brett Favre for it. I just knew he was going to play in week one. So much for that thought.
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Now I start to worry if the rumors are true that he won’t play this season. If that happens, is Joseph Addai’s run over?
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I only wonder that because Addai has clearly lost a step and one of his best attributes was being on the same page as Manning. Not only did he pick up the blitz as well as any running back in the league, but was a nice option near the goal line both catching and running the ball.
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Addai is the type of player that seems like he’s been in the league longer than he has. With fewer than 1000 career carries and at just 28 years of age, you wouldn’t think it would be time for Addai to ride off into the sunset, and judging by the three-year deal the Colts signed with him won’t be the case, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he went to a third down role. With his hands and ability to pick up the blitz, it would be a nice fit.
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It would open things up for Delone Carter, who at 5’9″, 225 is a more physical runner. He has already assumed the short yardage duties and leapfrogged bust Donald Brown as Addai’s primary backup. If Addai gets hurt again or the Colts’ struggle without Manning, the Colts could decide to see if Carter can handle the load.
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Don’t play Carter ahead of Addai or even backups like Jonathan Stewart, Willis McGahee or Mike Tolbert. Not until he’s established a role and the Colts can show they can run block. If you have a spot you may want to stash him away because sooner or later he could get his chance.
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What’s your thoughts on Delone Carter?
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Also check out:

• Week 1 Fantasy QB Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy RB Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy WR Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy TE Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy K Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy DEF Rankings
• Week 1 Fantasy IDP Rankings
• Start/Sit Week 1
• Week 1 Sleepers

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings – PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football K Rankings

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Peyton Manning has had five straight 4000 yard seasons. He has hit that mark in 11 of his 13 seasons. He has thrown at least 26 touchdowns every year. He’s had 30+ four of the past five years and six times in his career. Most importantly, he has never missed a start. They say all good things must come to an end. Is this the beginning of the end for Peyton?
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Hardly. Even if he struggles a bit this year, I am confident that Peyton has a few good seasons under his belt. What’s important to fantasy owners is how he’ll do this year.
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That is a valid concern. After all, Peyton seems to be recovering from his neck injury much slower than he has on past injuries. You wonder if the lockout played a role since he did not have access to team trainers.
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Peyton is a preparation junkie. By now he has thrown more passes to all of his skill position players than any other quarterback in the league, and it’s not even close.
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Not only does he get on the same page with his starters, he knows the tendencies of the backups in case an injury forces them into action.
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Peyton could start the season a little rusty, especially by his standards, but I would be surprised if Peyton wasn’t ready to go when the season begins. He is as proud of his consecutive games streak as almost any of his other accomplishments.
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Once things begin to click, he’ll likely be his old self. Throwing for about 4000 yards with 28 touchdowns. He won’t be as dominant as he has been the past few years, but he’ll still be pretty darn good.
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He should be a steal for fantasy owners. I think Rodgers, Rivers, Brees, and Brady are safer picks. I’ll a little uncertain about Michael Vick, but I would not have an issue with somebody taking him as even the first quarterback off the board.
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Personally I would take Peyton before Vick. I can even see Matt Ryan going before Peyton as the Falcons look serious about opening up their offense. After that though, and I see no reason why Peyton would be passed up.
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Schaub should put up big numbers, but nobody in league history has the track record of Peyton Manning. Big Ben, Romo, Freeman, Bradford, etc. Great quarterbacks, but I can’t put them on a better year than Peyton.
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The neck concerns are making Peyton a nice value pick for the first time since early in his career. I would be hard-pressed to pass on him in the sixth round, as he seems to be going in drafts. I think we’re all worrying for nothing. He’ll deliver like he always does.
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How about you? You think Peyton is in for a down year or will he continue to compile historic numbers?
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Also check out:

• 2011 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football RB Rankings – PPR
• 2011 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football DEF Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football IDP Rankings
• 2011 Fantasy Football K Rankings

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The AFC South made a big splash in the quarterback department in the recent NFL Draft.
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The division continues to be dominated by the Indianapolis Colts. Peyton Manning is consistently among the best fantasy quarterbacks in the league. He never has a shortage of weapons, and even when they break down like Dallas Clark last year, someone else (Jacob Tamme) steps up. One thing that needed more than a temporary fix was their offensive line. The Colts walked away from the draft with tackle Anthony Castonzo and guard Ben Ijalana. With better protection look for Manning to turn in another impressive season. Would you expect anything less?
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Matt Schuab regressed a little statistically, but that can be expected when you have the NFL rushing leader.  He still threw for 4370 yards and 24 touchdowns (12 INTs). With Andre Johnson, one of the more physical receivers in the league, look for Schaub to remain a quality QB1. The team did not give him any new weapons in the NFL Draft, instead using their first five picks on defense.
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In Jacksonville David Garrard will hold down the fort until Blaine Gabbert is ready to take control of the team. Garrard had a solid year throwing for 2734 yards and 23 TDs (15 INTs) while adding another 279 yards and five scores on the ground. The Jags are limited in the playmaker department. Marcedes Lewis scored ten touchdowns, but had just seven scores in four seasons before busting out in a contract year. Mike Sims-Walker is a free agent that will likely have a new home in 2011. Garrard is a quarterback to use during the bye weeks and little more.
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The Titans turned heads by taking Jake Locker with the eight pick in the draft. He will likely start the year on the sidelines while a veteran (possibly Matt Hasselbeck) acts as a bridge. Despite the presence of Kenny Britt, this is not a great quarterback situation. We’ll have to wait and see how this one plays out.
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Also check out:

• AFC East Quarterback Situations
• AFC North Quarterback Situations