Broncos HC Gary Kubiak Names Peyton Manning Starting QB For Playoffs

USA Today

The Denver Broncos will have a tough road ahead in the NFL playoffs with some stiff competition in the AFC. Although the momentum has seemed to be building for Brock Osweiler to be the team’s starting quarterback for the rest of the way, head coach Gary Kubiak has chosen to go with veteran experience in the postseason rather than gambling with a promising young talent under center.

According to Jeff Legwold of ESPN, five-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning will the starter in the playoffs:

Peyton Manning will be the Denver Broncos’ quarterback in the playoffs, coach Gary Kubiak told the team Thursday morning.

At this point, the Broncos are facing long odds to be the team to come out on top in the highly competitive AFC. As expected, the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots (87/20) are the favorites to win Super Bowl 50 via Sportsbook.ag. Few seem to believe the Broncos (29/5) have what it takes to get the best of Tom Brady and company if the two heavyweights meet in the AFC Championship Game.

Following the team’s announcement that Manning will be the starting quarterback moving forward, the Broncos must sit and await their fate with a first-round bye. Denver will play the lowest ranked winner of the AFC Wild Card round.

The Cincinnati Bengals (No. 3) will do battle with the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 6) while the Houston Texans (No. 4) with the Broncos’ division rivals in the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 5). Denver will play the lowest seed to advance on Jan. 17.