This might not be much of a surprise, but Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is expected to sit out the week 12 showdown with the New England Patriots.
According to CBS Sports Jason La Canfora, the Broncos brass are thinking of putting Manning on ice for at least a couple of weeks to allow the veteran to heal. Manning is dealing with foot, rib, and shoulder injuries and was playing like the worst quarterback in the NFL. The Broncos can't afford a humiliating collapse over the back half of the season and they need Brock Osweiler to lead the team to the playoffs.
The Broncos need to win this season because they have plenty of important free agents after this year, ranging from Von Miller and Malik Jackson to C.J. Anderson (albeit a restricted free agent) and Ronnie Hilliman. Denver needs Osweiler to show starting caliber traits, or else the Broncos are back to the bottom, looking for a viable option at quarterback.
Manning has played 12 regular season match-ups with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady and four postseason showdowns, with a 5-11 overall record. Week 12 was supposed to be #17, but the greatest rivalry in the sports will be put on hold until further notice.