The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Selection Committee voted on the finalists of the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday, and if there's one person that's practically guaranteed a spot in the Class of 2021, it's Peyton Manning. We'll have to wait to have that officially confirmed, but until then, let's reflect on some of his finest and most memorable games in a Broncos uniform.
It felt like a bit of an unfair challenge to try to narrow down the list to just five, so at the very end we included some honorable mentions that deserved some kind of placement in this discussion.
Week 6, 2012 season: Broncos 35, Chargers 24
The Broncos were on uneven footing early in Manning's time in Denver. After five games, they had showed flashes of the team they could be, but the Broncos entered Week 6 with a losing record at 2-3. And midway through this game, trailing 24-0 in San Diego, it looked like they were destined to fall to 2-4.
Manning had done his share to add to that deficit with a pick-six, but he would atone for that and more in the second half as Denver stormed back. Manning threw touchdowns on each of Denver's first three possessions to start the second half, including a beautiful go-ahead touchdown pass to Brandon Stokley in the fourth quarter. With a pair of defensive touchdowns to boot, the Broncos completed one of the most thrilling comebacks in recent memory.
And more than that, it served as a strong reminder that even after the neck injury that sidelined him for the entire 2011 season, yes, this was the same ol' Peyton Manning.
"You never can count that guy out," Stokley said. "I've seen it too many times. Everybody in this locker room knows, and we all believe, that when you have him behind the center we can come back from any deficit."
Week 1, 2013 season: Broncos 49, Ravens 27
After a disappointing playoff loss to Baltimore in the playoffs the previous year, Manning and the Broncos rebounded in a major way and proved that they were launching a historic campaign.
With seven touchdown passes, Manning tied an NFL record for the most in a single game. In the process, he picked apart Baltimore's secondary and the entire offense ran the Ravens ragged.
"We're going to push the tempo as much as we can handle," TE Julius Thomas said.
The aggressive start to the season foreshadowed what was to be on display for the rest of the season — the highest-scoring offense in NFL history led by the most prolific passer at his most dominant.
Week 16, 2013 season: Broncos 37, Texans 13
Manning's ability, paired with an aggressive strategy on offense, helped him make history in 2013 and beyond. No record he smashed, though, may be more impressive than the one for passing touchdowns in a single season.
With his fourth touchdown of the day against Houston, a pass to Julius Thomas, he completed his 51st touchdown pass of the season, eclipsing Tom Brady's previous mark. A week later, he added another four to set the bar even higher at 55.
Yet, after such a remarkable accomplishment, Manning could see the writing on the wall for many of his records.
"The way the game is today, none of these offensive records will last," Manning said.
He predicted Brady would break his mark in another year or two and noted that if the NFL expands the regular season for more games, it really wouldn't have a chance.
But seven years later, even though his prediction has held true for many of his previously held career passing records, this one still stands, yet to be touched.
Week 7, 2014 season: Broncos 42, 49ers 17
Midway through the 2014 season, Manning approached the all-time passing touchdown record, then held by Brett Favre with 508. With each passing week, he inched closer and anticipation grew.
Entering the Week 7 vs. San Francisco, Manning had 506. After the first quarter, he was tied with Favre and looking to etch his own name atop the record books. On third-and-goal from the 8-yard line, Manning took a shotgun snap, looked to his right and threw a dart to the front right pylon, where Demaryius Thomas made the touchdown snag.
In response to the moment and a historic career, the stadium erupted.
"I'm very humbled and I'm very honored," Manning said after the game. "I certainly think about how grateful I am for all the teammates and coaches that I've played with and played for throughout my career, not only here in Denver — in Indianapolis and all the people that have helped me along the way, but I've always been a fan of quarterbacks, whether it's Brett Favre or Dan Marino or John Elway. I'm very honored and humbled to join a pretty unique club and then when you throw in guys like Johnny Unitas and Fran Tarkenton, guys that were my dad's heroes growing up as well, I can put it in some perspective and I have a great appreciation for it."
Manning's four-touchdown performance made Broncos history in its own right, too. By completing 22-of-26 passes with four touchdowns and zero interceptions, Manning set a new franchise record for best single-game passer rating with at least 20 pass attempts.
Super Bowl 50: Broncos 24, Panthers 10
If you're compiling a list of the best games of Manning's career, this one probably doesn't rate highly. Against a stout Panthers defense, he completed 13-of-23 passes for 141 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception, and he was sacked five times and lost one fumble.
But on a list of his most memorable games, it's hard to exclude. The Super Bowl win not only capped one of the most storied careers in NFL history but also one of his most trying seasons, as he battled injuries for much of the season before returning in the final game of the regular season to help marshal the Broncos through the postseason to everlasting greatness.
All that would allow Manning to walk away from the game as a winner on the highest stage, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.
"This has been a tough, resilient, unselfish bunch of guys," Manning said after the win. "That was evident tonight from this game. I've just been honored and grateful to have been a part of it. I was just thanking them for letting me be a part of the journey."
Flip back through photos of Peyton Manning's Broncos career, which culminated in a victory in Super Bowl 50.
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen,left, and Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway,right, pose with Peyton Manning as he shows off his newsl jersey during a press conference at the Dove Valley facility March 20, 2012.
Denver Broncos new quarterback Peyton Manning, center, signs his contract with owner Pat Bowlen in attendance at the team's headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Tuesday, March 20, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) enters the field during pre game ceremonies prior to kick off against the PIttsburgh Steelers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO. September 9, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage on the opening drive during first quarter action against the PIttsburgh Steelers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO. September 9, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) prepares to take the snap during fourth quarter action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on September 9, 2012.
Denver Broncos Head Coach John Fox presents Peyton Manning (18) with a game ball in the locker room for Manning's 400th and 401st touchdown passes in his career after Denver defeated the PIttsburgh Steelers 31-19 in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO. September 9, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during first quarter action against the Houston Texans in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on September 23, 2012.
In the closing minutes, Denver Broncos Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway and Peyton Manning (18) enjoy the team's win 37-6 over the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO September 30, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) stands at midfield frustrated after a fourth quarter drive was interrupted by a fumble against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA October 7, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals at the line during first quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on September 30, 2012.
Peyton Manning and Drew Brees talk after the game against the New Orleans Saints on October 28, 2012 at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. (Photo credit: Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) rolls left looking for an open receiver during second quarter action against the Carolina Panthers in the NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in Charlotte,NC November 11, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) heads to the sidelines without converting on third down on Denver's fourth series during second quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO November 18, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) stands at attention on the sidelines with teammates during pre game ceremonies prior to action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO November 25, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) congratulates Demaryius Thomas (88) after catching a 10 yard pass for a second touchdown during third quarter action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field December 2, 2012 in Denver, CO.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws to Demaryius Thomas on 1-and-10 with 28 seconds remaining during first quarter action against the Oakland Raiders in the NFL game at O.com Stadium in Oakland,CA December 6, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) stands in the tunnel and waits to be introduced during player introductions prior to kickoff against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,CO December 23, 2012.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals at the line of scrimmage during first quarter action against the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on September 5, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) leads the team in a victory huddle in the locker room after Denver defeated the Baltimore Ravens 49-27 in the NFL Kickoff game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO September 5, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) scrambles out of the pocket and throws downfield during first quarter action against the New York Giants in the NFL game at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 15, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with his brother Eli after action against the New York Giants in the NFL game at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 15, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals at the line of scrimmage during second quarter action against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on September 29, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) runs a bootleg left with 46 seconds remaining in the second quarter for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL game at Cowboys Stadium October 6, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals at the line of scrimmage during first quarter action against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on October 13, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) comes onto the field during pre game action of the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Oct. 20, 2013 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by: Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks at a video tribute to his years at Indianapolis as he loosens up throwing prior to action against the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN October 20 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) evades a tackler during first quarter action against the Washington Redskins in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on October 27, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) enters the field during player introductions before the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field November 17, 2013 in Denver,CO.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during second quarter action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on December 1, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts to throwing a 20 yard touchdown during fourth quarter action against the Houston Texans in the NFL game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX on December 22, 2013. This was Manning's 50th touchdown of the season and also gave him 4 different receivers with 10 touchdowns each.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to throw his record-setting 51st touchdown of the season during fourth quarter action against the Houston Texans in the NFL game at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX on December 22, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) gets a congratulatory hug from Montee Ball (28) after throwing a 4th quarter touchdown pass setting a new NFL record of 51 touchdown passes during a regular season( surpassing Tom Brady) in the NFL game against the Houston Texans in Houston TX December 22, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) accepts a game ball and addresses the team after he set a new NFL record for most touchdown passes (51) in a single regular season of play after Denver defeated the Houston Texans 37-13 in the NFL game in Houston TX December 22, 2013.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) dodges a tackle during fourth quarter action against the San Diego Chargers in an AFC divisional playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 12, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during second quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) in action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with Owner and CEO Pat Bowlen after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
CBS' Jim Nantz interviews Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Peyton Manning interacts with fans after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Coin toss of the NFL game between Denver Broncos vs Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in the East Rutherford, NJ on February 2, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) unleashes a 48 yard pass to Emmanuel Sanders on the opening play against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver,Colo. September 14, 2014
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) pumps his fist after setting an NFL milestone with 500 touchdown passes. The pass was to Julius Thomas. It was a 7 yard strike for a touchdown at 4:48 of the 1st quarter against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field October 5, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) waves to the fans as he leaves the field after action against the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, October 5, 2014.
during first quarter action against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 19, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws his 509th career touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas during second quarter action against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, October 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) celebrates his 509th career touchdown pass during second quarter action against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, October 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos fans cheer for quarterback Peyton Manning after setting the NFL record for touchdowns during second quarter action against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, October 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) celebrates with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) after a touchdown during third quarter action against the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 19, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
during fourth quarter action against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) audibles during fourth quarter action against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 23, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes the ball before hitting the ground during second quarter action against the Oakland Raiders during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, December 28, 2014. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) and quarterback Peyton Manning (18) in the tunnel before action against the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL divisional playoff game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 11, 2015.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws downfield during second quarter action against the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, September 13, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during third quarter action against the Baltimore Ravens during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, September 13, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Peyton Manning action against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO September 17, 2015. (Photo: © Earl Richardson)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals to the sidelines for during first quarterprior to a playd2q action against the Detroit Lions in the NFL game at Ford Field in Detroit, MI September 27, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes that ball during first quarter action against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 04, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) shakes hands after the game against the Minnesota Vikings during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, October 04, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a short pass over the middle during fourth quarter action against the Cleveland Browns in the NFL game at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH October 18, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) shake hands after action against in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 1, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) runs off the field after the game against the Green Bay Packers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 01, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) warms up during pre game action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 03, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) passes the ball during third quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 03, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with head coach Gary Kubiak during fourth quarter action against the San Diego Chargers during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 03, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) grabs a photo of himself and Peyton Manning (18) postgame in the locker room after Denver defeated the San Diego Chargers 27-20 in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. January 3, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) waves to fans after action against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 17, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) audibles during first quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) scrambles for a 12 yard gain during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) after action in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak gives Peyton Manning (18) a celebratory pat postgame after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
during post game action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) waves to fans after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during first quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
in action against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) audibles during second quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during third quarter action against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 07, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) shakes hands with Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) after action in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos celebrate after action against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos celebrate after action against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, February 7, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) and Peyton Manning (18) begin celebrating on the sidelines during the final seconds in the fourth quarter as Denver leads the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak and Peyton Manning (18) congratulate one another on the sidelines during the final seconds in the fourth quarter as Denver leads the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) flashes a "thumbs up" with one second remaining as Denver defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in the NFL Super Bowl 50 at Santa Clara, Calif. February 7, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos NFL Super Bowl 50 parade in Denver, Colo. February 9, 2016 (Photo by Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
outside linebacker Von Miller (58), quarterback Peyton Manning and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) at the White House on June 6, 2016. The Broncos were honored by President Barack Obama for winning Super Bowl 50. (Ben Swanson)
Former Denver Bronco Peyton Manning during pregame Super Bowl Championships ceremonies in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, Colo. September 8, 2016.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Week 1, 2012 season: Broncos 31, Steelers 19
The Manning Era began with just a taste of what was to come.
In his first game with the team, Manning helped Denver overcome a fourth-quarter deficit and finished with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
In addition to being his first game as a Bronco, it was also his first NFL game in over a year after a neck injury cost him the entire 2011 season. Such a long recovery allowed an element of doubt to creep in for some analysts and spectators during that time, but Manning's two-touchdown performance showed he had plenty of football left to play.
"Knowing the guy, what kind of competitor he is, I never doubted for once that he wouldn't be playing again," Stokley said. "I knew he'd be back."
Week 5, 2013 season: Broncos 51, Cowboys 48
In one of the most entertaining games of Manning's career, he and the Broncos went down to the wire against Tony Romo and the Cowboys in high-powered duel. Manning threw for 414 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, but the most memorable part of the day came when he fooled the entire Cowboys defense (and maybe the whole crowd) on a fake handoff that he then ran in himself on a naked bootleg.
Week 7, 2013 season: Colts 39, Broncos 33
After an emotional exit from Indianapolis in 2012, Manning returned for the first time in 2013 as the undefeated Broncos traveled to Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts and their fans gave him a warm welcome with a tribute video played over the Jumbotron, and he in turn waved to the crowd and thanked them for their support. Manning had a strong showing at his old home with three touchdowns and 386 yards, but it wasn't enough for a win.
2013 AFC Championship: Broncos 26, Patriots 16
After a disappointing playoff performance a year before from the Broncos as a whole, Manning helped return the franchise to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1998 season with a 400-yard, two-touchdown day against longtime foe Tom Brady and his Patriots team.
2015 AFC Championship: Broncos 20, Patriots 18
Manning and the Broncos punched their ticket for a second Super Bowl two years later with another hard-fought win over the Patriots. Manning helped lead the Broncos to an early lead with two touchdowns to Owen Daniels, but Brady mounted a furious second-half comeback attempt that fell just short when a two-point conversion try was intercepted.
