Wolverine247 Board

Depends on what you mean by "legit contender." I think they've got some very good pieces, and they're more of a dark horse pick. I would say no, not a legit contender.

You're probably right. It is an out there prediction. But then again who would've predicted Newton would break Manning's rookie passing records last season.

I really think people just look at Denver's record with Tebow, see Manning, and just assume they'll be better.

I don't see much of a talent difference between Indy and Denver. Denver had the worst record in the league over several seasons until Tebow took over. I'd love to see what their record would've been with Curtis Painter as their starter.

Watch their running game and defense take a big hit. Denver's defense magically got good because they became the best rushing team in the NFL and controlled TOP. And Magahee was a huge benefactor of Tebow and the read option.

It's going to all be on Manning's shoulders. We don't even know if he can hold up, and if he does, regain his old form. Feels like Montanna to the Chiefs to me.

And the kicker is their schedule is brutal. Especially the first half of the season.

So my prediction wasn't just throwing **** against the wall and hoping it sticks. I at least put some thought into it, lol.

IMO Luck walks into the NFL a top ten QB and by mid-season is top five.

Soooo... my prediction is starting to look a lot more realistic. Yes, it's only preseason, but Manning's arm looks WEAK, and Luck is looking legit. Should be interesting.

I still think the Broncos will be a playoff team with 10+ wins before it's all said and done as long as Manning is available for the whole season. IMO, he's one of the top-2 quarterbacks of all time, and he's led Colts teams with less talent than the Broncos have to the playoffs. Even if they/he start out slow, he's too talented and works too hard to not click as the season progresses.

Still think KC is team to beat in that division. I love Eric Berry.

Brady's a surefire Hall of Famer, and easily one of the best of all time. He does have more rings than Manning, but I still think Manning is slightly better as an overall quarterback.

Agreed

I don't see where Manning's arm looks weak? I thought he still looked good in the preseason games, but he is still just knocking a little rust off. I think by the time regular season comes around he will have all the rust gone. I still think Manning will have a better year than Luck, although Luck has looked good, he made some rookie mistakes like the pick six verse Steelers on Sunday night.

Maybe weak was an overstatement. His throws noticeably don't have the same velocity as some of the other top QBs. At least to me. He just doesn't look the same imo. Maybe Manning is knocking off some rust. But you have to admit the idea of Luck and the Colts having a better season doesn't seem as far fetched as it did a few months ago.