Peyton Manning Rumors: Legendary QB Would Make Chiefs AFC West Favorites

The Kansas City Chiefs only finished one game off the pace in the AFC West. Adding Peyton Manning to the mix would instantly make them division favorites and a legitimate threat to make some real noise in next season's playoffs.

Bill Williamson of ESPN reports the chips are falling into place for Kansas City to pursue Manning, assuming he's released by the Indianapolis Colts next week:

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Still, the Chiefs have a load of salary-cap room and they can easily construct a deal for Manning in addition to making other improvements.

Of course, Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel did nothing to take the scent off a potential Chiefs-Manning pairing when he said this at the NFL combine last Saturday: “With a talent like that, I would be crazy not to consider it if he’s available. I’ll leave it at that.”

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Think about all the weapons at Manning's disposal should he sign with Kansas City. The trio of Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin would be just as good, if not better, than what he was working with in Indianapolis before the injury.

It's always important to remember Manning raises the level of his receivers. Guys like Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie became household names because they were lucky enough to work with No. 18.

Perhaps that's exactly what Baldwin needs to reach the next level after a rocky rookie season. He has the talent to become a star receiver. Manning has the knowledge to teach him how to do it.

Then there's Jamaal Charles. The dynamic running back missed most of the year with an ACL injury, but should be ready to roll when the new season rolls around.

Manning didn't have a playmaker like him in the backfield with the Colts and it forced him to throw more often than he would have probably liked. Charles' presence will take a lot of pressure off him, which is necessary coming back from a major neck ailment.

When you add it all up, the Chiefs have enough pieces to be one of the league's top-tier offenses. Manning is reportedly starting to throw the ball a lot better. If he's given a clean bill of health, he'll be one of the most accomplished free agents in history.

Like Crennel said, the Chiefs would be crazy if they didn't at least pursue the option. The division-winning Denver Broncos will still have Tim Tebow under center, the San Diego Chargers constantly under-perform and the Oakland Raiders still lack depth.

Indianapolis' brutal season proved how many holes Manning can cover up all by himself when healthy. Surrounding him with a roster already on the brink of the playoffs would make the Chiefs next season's most intriguing team.

There's nothing crazy about that.