Is there a conspiracy to help Peyton Manning win the Super Bowl ?

“We expect to definitely not see that much and definitely expect to see those receivers and see Brady spread the ball around a little bit more”.

We can wax poetic on Brady-Manning 17 at a later date.

It was apparent on the Patriots’ third play from scrimmage last Saturday that Julian Edelman would provide a transformative element to New England’s offense, when Edelman turned third-and-10 into an 11-yard gain and a first down by finding the soft spot between two defenders and turning for a pass that was released as he made his quick cut outside.

To grasp how odd that is, consider this stunning fact: Over his past 15 seasons, Manning has been a home underdog only three times when he starts and finishes the game. “I know that it’s been, I guess, three different teams. The thing that we have to do well is just get him on the ground”. After multiple neck injuries, it appears father time has caught up with the future Hall of Famer, but with only two games left in the season, Manning doesn’t need to perform at his prime level to beat the Patriots. “It’s Manning and Brady”. Not sure if it’s convenient or just lazy.

New England is 1-5 ATS both in their last six road games and last six AFC title games.

Yeah, it doesn’t exactly fit the narrative from above, does it?

Of the 16, most are listed as questionable, which is supposed to mean a 50 percent chance at playing while a handful of guys are probable, the equivalent of a 75 percent chance of playing.

The initial Denver drive showcased a revived Manning, who moved more quickly and threw more sharply than he did last week in the quarterfinals against Pittsburgh or prior to his lengthy injury-related absence. “Then they have Tom Brady”.

The Broncos defense held the Patriots to only 18 points and Denver defeated New England on Sunday.

It doesn’t fit the narrative most have pushed, and it needs to stop. This time, they sport the league’s No. 1 defense. Broncos are 7-2 in AFC championship games…. He must take calculated risks on when he goes over the top and pushes the field for big plays. He was constantly hounded by Denver’s top-ranked defense, especially Von Miller as the linebacker finished with an interception and 2 ½ sacks. Denver’s defense is too good, and it knows what’s at stake. “We’ve gotta bounce back next year and come out strong”. “You can’t put it on the hands of Steph”. There are a lot of underdogs on this team, from (cornerback) Chris Harris (Jr.) as an undrafted free agent and is now playing really well to a guy like (outside linebacker Shaquil) Shaq (Barrett) who has played consistently two years and now has an opportunity to be like a starter, play like a starter and do something great. I think they were 30th in the league in rushing. Cam Newton and Greg Olsen will make just enough plays to squeak out a victory.

More fresh in the minds of Broncos fans was Manning’s decision to pull up and throw in the playoff game against the Colts last season when he had as much or more open space in front of him as he did Sunday.

Elway hired coach Gary Kubiak with the idea that his ex-teammate would help him transition from the Manning era to whatever comes next.

That’s what wins in the NFL. Like Mom says, words can be hurtful, particularly in championship games.