If you pay attention to Vegas betting lines, then you know that most gamblers are putting their money on another Tom Brady versus Peyton Manning showdown for the right to play in the Super Bowl next month. If you look at the matchups, both quarterbacks have very winnable games coming up. The red-hot Denver Broncos face an underdog Ravens' team at Mile High Stadium and the New England Patriots face a team they completely destroyed just a few weeks ago in the Houston Texans.
Unless you are a fan of Houston or Baltimore, then you are probably rooting for Brady and Manning to move on to the next round and why wouldn’t you? If Denver and New England advance to the next round, then NFL fans everywhere get a chance to witness history. Two elite quarterbacks playing for a chance at another championship.
A lot must happen before Brady versus Manning becomes a reality and there will be two teams that will lay it on the line to make sure this matchup doesn’t happen. Baltimore will be playing with the emotions of Ray Lewis’ retirement. An emotional team can be a dangerous team, just ask anybody that played the Colts during the regular season. The Texans were completely embarrassed by New England in the game earlier this year. Houston will be seeking revenge. The Texans do not want to be humiliated a second time on national television.
The Broncos have accumulated quite a formidable defense. This Denver team has the best defense of any team Manning has been a part of. Denver is loaded on the defensive side of the ball. Players like Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil and Wesley Woodyard make up Denver’s talented squad. If both teams advance, Denver’s defense will be facing the NFL’s number one offense.
Brady will lead his team with a number of weapons at his disposal. New England’s high flying offense is powered by the hurry-up approach. New England spares little time between plays. This technique prevents the defense from getting comfortable before the next play is run.
New England’s offensive strategy lends well to the offensive talent on the roster. Wide receiver Wes Welker is perhaps the best slot receiver in the league and has a knack for separating from his defender. Tight end Rob Gronkowski can stretch the seam like only a select few can. Add Brandon Lloyd on the outside to stretch the field and you have a lethal arsenal at your disposal.
Both teams will be well rested and healthy for the most part. Neither Manning nor Brady will embark into battle alone. Both squads are stockpiled with talent. New England boasts perhaps the most dynamic offense in recent history and Denver can strike at an opponent’s weakness with surgical precision. This chess match between two champions will go down as one for the ages. Gone are the days of Manning and the finesse Indianapolis Colts. These Broncos are a new breed of NFL talent, one that is oozing intensity. The Patriots will be ready as they always are. One can only hope for this matchup but all signs are pointing to another Manning versus Brady showdown.