Power Ranking Desperate Teams That Must Eye Peyton Manning Despite Neck Surgery

How many neck surgeries is that for Peyton Manning now?

I've lost track.

All kidding aside, the latest news means Manning has had four neck surgeries in the last two years. While everyone would love a future Hall of Fame quarterback, that certainly changes things.

Don Banks of SI.com wrote on Wednesday:

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League sources say Manning's neck has potentially developed bone spurs just above the point where his latest fusion surgery took place in early September, and the Colts organization is under the belief that it is nearly inevitable Manning will at some point require further surgery, and possibly another fusion procedure, even if he does successfully return to the field in 2012.

"

In that regard, I believe only the teams that are desperate for a starting quarterback will seriously consider him now.

Here's a look at teams that have no choice but to go after Peyton Manning.

3. Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins simply can't go another season with Rex Grossman and John Beck under center.

Also, given their mediocre receiving corps, they would love to plug someone in who could make tight throws down the field.

Manning could be this guy.

However, I have the Redskins at No. 3 because they still have a chance of trading up to land Robert Griffin III in the draft, which I think is a distinct possibility.

2. Seattle Seahawks

Let's be honest, Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst aren't going to lead the Seahawks to a championship, even if the defense grows by leaps and bounds.

Plus, without a Top 10 pick, they likely don't have a shot at Griffin.

They may go after someone like Matt Flynn in free agency, but Manning is still worlds better than Flynn.

1. Miami Dolphins

There are so many things working in the Dolphins' favor in the Peyton Manning Sweepstakes.

They have a Pro Bowl receiver in Brandon Marshall, a good defense and a Top 10 pick in the draft, which they could use to draft an offensive tackle (someone like, say, Riley Reiff of Iowa).

Matt Moore had some good games for the Dolphins last year, but he's no game-changer. Manning would give the Dolphins the best chance out of all these teams to make a run at/in the playoffs.

I continue to believe Manning is headed to Miami.