Is Peyton Manning's Best Fit the Denver Broncos or Arizona Cardinals?

According to Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN, Peyton Manning has dwindled down his teams of interest:

"

Peyton Manning on Sunday completed an exhaustive three-day road trip in which he is known to have visited with the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals, the two teams that sources believe have emerged as the favorites for the free-agent quarterback.

"

To that end, let's take a look at the Broncos and Cardinals and determine which is the best fit for Manning.

Denver Broncos

Offensively, the Broncos are still a work-in-progress, but do have some useful tools that Manning can develop to another level.

Receiver Demaryius Thomas is his best threat out wide, and running back Willis McGahee proved he can still roll, compiling almost 1,200 rushing yards last season.

Denver's ability to run the ball, and Manning's presence as a passer, will definitely make the Broncos a two-dimensional offense. They won't be as spontaneous and improvisational as with Tim Tebow, but  effective nonetheless.

Defensively, the Orange Crush possesses some really impressive players. Obviously, sack-masters Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil stand out, but veteran cornerback Champ Bailey proved he can still lock it down in a limited role (10 passes defended in 13 games played).

Now include kicker Matt Prater, and the elder Manning won't need to get Denver into the red zone every time for a chance at scoring. In other words; it's less pressure to win the field position battle as Prater can consistently connect from 50-plus yards.

Arizona Cardinals

All you need to say to make an appealing argument for Peyton Manning to the Arizona Cardinals is Larry Fitzgerald.

He's arguably the best receiver in the game, despite not playing with—for the most part of his career—a great quarterback.

Kurt Warner was undoubtedly great for the Cardinals, but that connection lasted just three seasons (2007-2009, Warner's first two years in Arizona from 2005 and 2006 weren't effective as he only played in 16 games during that span).

Elsewhere on offense, Arizona provides tight end Todd Heap, No. 2 receiver Early Doucet and a decent running game with Chris Wells. Not to mention that the Cardinals also have the No. 13 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, which is 12 spots higher than Denver.

On the other side of the ball, Arizona has stud defensive end Calais Campbell and cornerback Patrick Peterson, who is also a ridiculous return specialist (four punt return touchdowns last season).

Better Fit?

Make no mistake about it, Manning would significantly improve either franchise, but the Arizona Cardinals are a better fit.

The main difference lies in the receiving corps. Denver still has to develop and prove consistency, while the Cardinals have that already in Larry Fitzgerald.

Defensively it's a wash, because both have outstanding strengths and quick fixes as the weaknesses. Both need to improve against the pass, but have a solid pass-rush and need to perform better against the run.

On special teams, you have a dominant kicker in Matt Prater for Denver versus a dominant punt returner in Patrick Peterson for Arizona. Both provide field position advantages and take pressure off the offense.

So, in short, look at what each has to offer where Manning's specialty comes into play; and that's the passing game. Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Eddie Royal have potential, but Larry Fitzgerald is arguably the best receiver Manning will ever get to target.

Plus, Manning would also be averting Tebowmania which, as we learned in 2011, can never be counted out.

John Rozum on Twitter.