2012 NFL Free Agent Predictions: Peyton Manning to Broncos and 3 Shocking Moves

Peyton Manning is going to replace Tim Tebow as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos for the 2012-13 NFL season.

Face it, Broncos fans. Tebow is not the quarterback that's going to lead this team the Super Bowl. He's a great leader, he's even a pretty good football player, but he's an awful quarterback.

Some point to the Broncos' win over the Steelers in the playoffs as proof that Tebow is legit, but if you're holding onto one throw in overtime against a banged up team as your crucible of truth—you probably still believe that John Fox and John Elway want him to be the Week 1 starter next year.

If you believe that, well there's probably nothing I can do for you at this point.

The Broncos want Manning and if they can convince him that trudging through "Tebow Mania" would be worth a shot at one or two Super Bowls, he's going to be going from a horse shoe to a horse on his helmet.

With a young and talented defense, a good running game, a flexible coach, and a few added pieces to the offense, this team becomes a Super Bowl contender.

Add in the fact that he'd probably have the easiest road to the playoffs through the AFC West, and Peyton will gladly trade in the beaches of Miami and facing Tom Brady twice a year for the Broncos.

Here's two other bold free-agent predictions.

Vincent Jackson, WR: Chicago Bears

There is no way Jackson is going to re-sign with the Chargers, so you might as well get that out of your head right now. Forget the rumors that he'll take a hometown discount. He could go anywhere and get paid well, and I think he'll test those options.

The question then becomes, which team has a good amount of cap room and could desperately use a star wide receiver? 

The Bears have made their desire to spend money in free agency known and they also have a desperate need for a No. 1 wide receiver.

Despite his issues, Jay Cutler can be a top-10 quarterback when he's on and Chicago hasn't really given him much to work with. If they can bring in Jackson to go along with Matt Forte in the backfield, the Bears can compete with the Lions and give the Packers a run for their money in the NFC north.

This signing makes sense all the way around. Add in the fact that Chicago is a great city, and I think we'll see a deal.

Matt Flynn, QB: Miami Dolphins

If and when the Dolphins lose out on the Peyton Manning sweepstakes, they are going to be very desperate for a quarterback.

Flynn is the next best thing on the market, and he has all the potential to be the next best thing in the NFL.

He's got a good arm, underrated accuracy, great pocket presence and he's learned under arguably the best quarterback in the league in Aaron Rodgers.

He's also familiar with new head coach Joe Philbin—considering Philbin was the Packers offensive coordinator—so that will help with Miami's offensive transition.

The Dolphins are going to do everything they can to lure Manning in, but they will settle for Flynn in the end.

I think Dolphins fans will find that they weren't settling after all.