Week 11 – Peyton Manning vs. St. Louis Rams
After a slow start last week in Oakland, Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense was sparked by a second quarter 51-yard catch and run TD by C.J. Anderson and the rout was on. In the win, Peyton tossed two early INTs, but wound up throwing for 340 yards and five TDs – in just three quarters. He has a league-leading 29 touchdowns and has passed for over 300 yards five times this season. The Rams are the No. 13 defense against the pass, but you're going to start Manning in all leagues.
Week 10 – Peyton Manning vs. Oakland Raiders
As the Broncos fell behind by 20 points at half last week in New England, they pretty much abandoned the running game and let Peyton Manning throw on nearly every down. Despite the blowout loss, Peyton had good fantasy numbers, going 34-of-57 for 438 yards and two TDs. He was picked off twice, but it was his second 400-yard game of the season. At Denver’s halfway mark of the season, he’s thrown 24 touchdowns and just five INTs. The winless Raiders defense is 10th in the league in yards allowed through the air, but look for a better overall performance from Manning and the Broncos offense.
Week 9 – Peyton Manning vs. New England Patriots
Last Thursday versus the Chargers, it was just another average night for Peyton Manning, as he went 25-of-35 for 286 yards and three TDs – all to Emmanuel Sanders. In the past three games he has 10 touchdown tosses without an INT. While Peyton has been under 300 yards in four of the seven games this season, he’s still averaging 304 yards per contest and is on pace for 50 TDs in ’14. Last year in a night game at New England, he struggled in the wind and the forecast is calling for another breezy afternoon. But, this should be another classic Manning-Brady matchup, so it’s a no brainer to keep starting No. 18 even against the second best defense versus the pass.
Week 8 – Peyton Manning vs. San Diego Chargers
In just three quarters of action last Sunday night, Peyton Manning shredded the 49ers defense for 318 yards and four TDs on 22-26 passing. Oh yeah, and he also set the all-time record for touchdown passes along the way. Peyton has 19 TDs compared to just three INTs in ’14 and has thrown at least three TD tosses in each of the past three contests. The Chargers have played the Broncos tough the past couple seasons and are allowing only 209 yards per game through the air, but the secondary is a bit banged up. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is as you’re always going to start Manning.
Week 7 – Peyton Manning vs. San Francisco 49ers
With the Jets dropping eight into coverage, pretty much daring the Broncos to run last week, Peyton Manning still finished with three TDs, putting him just two away from tying Brett Favre’s all-time record. Despite his lowest passing total of ’14, Peyton is still averaging over 300 yards and three touchdowns per contest. The 49ers defense has lost some key players, but they are still allowing only 207 yards per game through the air, second best in the league. However, you’re definitely going to start Manning, and look for him to shoot for his three TD tosses to give him the NFL record in a primetime home affair on Sunday night.
Week 6 – Peyton Manning vs. New York Jets
In the win over the Cardinals last Sunday Peyton Manning threw for a career-high 479 yards on 47 attempts. The Broncos came out throwing 10 times on their first possession and didn’t let up, especially with the running game struggling to get going, particularly in the first half. Manning threw four TDs on the afternoon, but was also picked off twice. For the season he has thrown 12 touchdowns compared to three INTs. Philip Rivers threw for nearly 300 yards and three TDs last Sunday against the Jets defense that is allowing 238 yards through the air. It’s a no-brainer to keep on starting Peyton.
Week 5 – Peyton Manning vs. Arizona Cardinals
At Seattle two weeks ago, Peyton Manning led the Broncos to a furious comeback to send the game into overtime, but didn’t get a chance after that, as the Seahawks drove the field for the winning TD. Manning had his first 300-yard game (303 yards) of ’14 in the loss, but also threw his first INT of the season. Through the first three contests, Peyton has thrown for 814 yards with eight TDs. He has passed for at least two scores in each game, with seven of his TD tosses going to TEs. This week he’ll be facing a tough Cardinals defense that is fifth in total yards allowed and both teams will be well rested after an early Week 4 bye. Despite the opponent, look for Manning to have a good game at home. Start him as always.
Week 3 – Peyton Manning vs. Seattle Seahawks
For the second week in a row Peyton Manning threw three first half TDs, but the offense struggled in the second half. In the win over the Chiefs last Sunday, Peyton was 21-26 for 242 yards as Kansas City did a good job of keeping the ball away from the explosive Denver offense for much of the second stanza. Manning now has thrown six touchdowns versus no INTs on the season, but has surprisingly been under 300 yards in both games. While the nightmare of the Super Bowl has worn off, Peyton and the Broncos still have a lot to prove against the Seahawks, who have to be in a little bit of shock themselves after Philip Rivers and the Chargers had no problem moving the ball on a very good defense. You definitely have to start Manning every week, even in a tough road environment. But keep your expectations realistic as to not be disappointed.
Week 2 – Peyton Manning vs. Kansas City Chiefs
In the season opener versus Indy last Sunday, Peyton Manning got off to a great start by throwing three first half TDs (all to TE Julius Thomas). However, after the Broncos built a big lead, the offense sputtered in the second stanza. Peyton finished 22-36 for 269 yards and those three scores. It was a bit surprising to see Denver have trouble moving the ball on the Colts when they had chances to put the game away, but don’t worry about Manning. In the two games versus the Chiefs last season he threw for over 700 yards and six TDs and should have another great game on Sunday.
Week 1 – Peyton Manning vs. Indianapolis Colts
In last season’s opener Peyton Manning tore the Ravens apart with seven TD tosses, in route to an NFL record 55 on the season. At Indy last year, he passed for 386 yards and three scores against his former team. During the preseason, Peyton was as sharp as ever and should get off to a strong start in the regular season. Despite not having Wes Welker for the first four contests, Manning still has some great hands to throw to in Demaryius and Julius Thomas, as well as new WR and former Steeler Emmanuel Sanders.While he won’t throw for the record-tying seven TDs in one game in this Sunday night affair, Peyton should be over 300 yards with at least two scores.
