Written by Stephen Oh

AccuScore simulated the 2012 Season assuming healthy rosters for all 32 teams. With Tim Tebow as the starter for Denver, the Broncos averaged just under 7 wins wins in 10,000 season-long simulations. Despite last season's upset of Pittsburgh, the statistics say there was too much "Tebow magic"; and not enough quality play to expect a return to the AFC Championship game for Denver. With Tim "God is on my side" Tebow at starting quarterback, the Broncos only made the playoffs in 17.1% of simulations.

With Peyton "4-time MVP" Manning, the Broncos immediately become the favorite in the AFC West. They average just under 11 wins (+4.2 win improvement) and their playoff chances jump a monumental 66.7 percentage points. Manning's projected season stats are 320-480, 66.7% 3936 Yards, 30 TDs, 12 INTs.

Best Fit for Manning?

AccuScore ran the above analysis for 10 different NFL teams and the answer to this question is "if not the best fit, pretty darn close." Last season, the San Francisco 49ers nearly made the Super Bowl, and Peyton Manning's arrival projects the 49ers at the top of list for projected wins with Manning. However, the improvement vs Alex Smith was +1.9 wins, not nearly the impact the Broncos displayed. Denver is 2nd on this list with 10.9 wins and an 83.8% chance of making the playoffs with Manning.

Whether or not Peyton put himself in the best situation is open for debate, but the Broncos definitely found the best solution for their team. Denver is a great fit for Manning, had the most to gain and did the right thing in aggressively pursuing him.

TEAM IMPROVEMENT WITH MANNING