Peyton Manning will be the starting quarterback in the playoffs

Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak officially named Peyton Manning the starter for the teams division round playoff matchup next week.

It was in Week 17, when the San Diego Chargers pushed the Broncos close with Denver chasing the No. 1 seed in the AFC that Osweiler’s play off hopes were drowned. Osweiler started the final seven games of the season, with Denver winning five of them. After a 10-0 start the injuries started piling up, and their visit to Mile High against the Broncos ended in their first loss of the season despite being in control of the game for the most part, eventually losing in overtime. Kubiak sent Manning into the regular-season finale with just more than eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, and Manning led the Broncos on four scoring drives that resulted in 20 points.

Manning went 7-2 as Denver’s starter, although he struggled all season with his foot injury, which affected his throwing motion and led to right shoulder and rib injuries as well.

As Manning prepares for a playoff run he says this season is one to write home about. The Cowboys (4-12) and Jaguars (5-11) never were in serious playoff contention, but both owners have already said their head coaches will return.

He also suffered no lingering effects from Damion Square’s textbook helmet-to-chest hit on Sunday in what the 39-year-old quarterback called his welcome-back-to-football moment. But at the end of the day, facts are facts.

“He actually worked harder probably than he would have worked had he been with the team, just because it was individualized workout”, Kubiak said. “The step to be with the football team last week, the team could see, “Hey, OK, I’m feeling good”.

Currently, the Broncos are awaiting their opponent for the AFC divisional playoffs on January 17, which will be the lowest seed from Saturday’s wild card matchups – the Houston Texans, the Kansas City Chiefs, or the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I’m excited for him to get going”. James is one of only two running backs deemed eligible this year, along with former Broncos star Terrell Davis. Are you cheering for Manning and the Broncos? Osweiler played extremely well in the first half, tossing 3 touchdown passes and leading the Broncos to a 27-13 halftime lead. He’s a very tough kid.

“When you’re not out there playing, it does remind you how fortunate you are to be out there playing”, Manning said.

“I mean, that’s what Clancy does for a living”, Kubiak said.