Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos: Who Has the Edge for Peyton Manning?

Now that we know the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals are the front-runners in the epic Peyton Manning sweepstakes, let's thoroughly examine each team and what they can offer the legendary quarterback. 

I'll take six key components into consideration—weather, offensive weapons, offensive line, defense, coaching and division. 

Weather

Arizona clearly has the more enticing weather for Manning. 

Weather.com says the average high in October is 87 degree with the average low is 59. Denver's average high is 66 and average low is 33 during the same month. 

As we know, the Cardinals play in a new domed stadium which could ultimately be the biggest "weather-related" factor for Manning. 

The Broncos can endure some chilly temperatures during the late stages of the season at home. 

Advantage: Cardinals

Offensive Weapons

Larry Fitzgerald is the best player on either one of these two teams. It's not even close. The Detroit Lions Calvin Johnson may be the only receiver that's better than the Cardinals' franchise player. He'd instantly become Manning's go-to target and the best receiver he's thrown to since Marvin Harrison. 

Nothing against Reggie Wayne, who's a fantastic wideout in his own right, but Fitzgerald is in a different class in terms of playmaking ability and he's five years younger.

Outside of him, however, the Cardinals aren't exactly loaded with pass-catching talent. Early Doucet is a fine slot guy, but he's a free agent and he could sign with a new club in the near future. 

Tight end Todd Heap is a viable seam option, but he's not the premier threat he used to be. 

The Broncos receiving corps doesn't feature a star, but they're not as atrocious as people think.

Demaryius Thomas demonstrated his potential as an overpowering receiver who can win most battles against smaller defensive backs late in the season and in the playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, 

Eric Decker was the team's leading receiver until he went down with an injury, and if re-signed, Eddie Royal is decent out of the slot. 

Both teams need to make wideout upgrades either in free agency or the draft regardless of who's throwing passes in 2012. 

In a extremely close call, Fitzgerald gives Arizona the edge.

Advantage: Cardinals

Offensive Line

It's difficult to precisely peg the play of the Denver Broncos offensive line based on what they did in 2011 due to Tim Tebow's scrambling antics and the team's zone-blocking run scheme. 

They led the NFL in rushing yards per game, but they did allow 42 sacks, which was the ninth-highest total in the league.

However, Tebow did look to extend plays far too often in 2011, so that sack number is a somewhat artificially inflated. With a traditional pocket passer, that total would have most likely been lower.

Ryan Clady has battled some knee injuries, but he was back to 100 percent during the season and is a franchise left tackle talent. 

On the other hand, the Cardinals offensive line is in complete shambles. Levi Brown is one of the most victimized left tackles in the NFL and will likely hit the free-agent market. 

They have allowed a whopping 104 sacks over the last two seasons. Arizona will definitely be looking to address the left tackle position in this year's draft. They really could use an upgrade at any position along their offensive line. 

With the Clady in place in Denver, the Broncos unquestionably have the edge here. 

Advantage: Broncos

Defense

Ready for something crazy? 

In terms of total yardage allowed in 2011, the Arizona Cardinals ranked 19th in the NFL and the Denver Broncos 20th. The difference was less than 100 yards. 

If you look at personnel, both teams have a nice mix of quality youthful and veteran players. The Cardinals defensive line is anchored by the eccentric Darnell Dockett and the newly franchised Calais Campbell. 

Adrian Wilson headlines the secondary and cornerback Patrick Peterson should improve on his solid rookie season. 

The Broncos have what every team wants—bookend pass-rushers. Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller formulate one of the best duos in the league, but the team needs added bulk in the middle. 

D.J. Williams is a fine linebacker, but the team needs help in their secondary, especially if safety Brian Dawkins decides to retire. 

As the statistics show, these teams have similar defenses, but Arizona's secondary gives them the slight edge. 

Advantage: Cardinals 

Coaching

While no one knows how much control of the offense Ken Wisenhunt or John Fox would give Manning, we know Wisenhunt carefully crafted his offensive attack around the strengths of Kurt Warner prior to the team's rise to NFC prominence in 2007. 

That, coupled with Fox's run-heavy, clock-control offense he's installed in Denver and Arizona gets the edge. 

Advantage: Cardinals 

Division

Neither the AFC or NFC West would be labeled as "power" divisions, but they have gotten considerably better. 

The Cardinals have to deal with the mighty San Francisco 49ers and their absolutely stifling defense. The Seattle Seahawks are a team on the rise and the St. Louis Rams are at the beginning stages of organizational reconstruction. Not necessarily a daunting division. However, there are a multitude of star quarterbacks and high-powered teams in the NFC. It's the much deeper conference. 

The Broncos are the reigning AFC West champs, which should be rather enticing to Manning. The Chargers are one of the most schizophrenic teams in the NFL and Vincent Jackson could be playing elsewhere in 2012.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a solid corp of young players, but their future is clouded with uncertainty. Running back Jamaal Charles, safety Eric Berry and tight end Tony Moeaki are all coming off season-ending leg injuries. The Oakland Raiders were in playoff contention last season, but wouldn't be deemed a major threat by Manning. 

Got to give it to the Broncos in his category. The fact that he'd be out of the NFC to stay away from any annual competition with his brother helps, too. 

Advantage: Broncos

Conclusion

In the end, the Broncos have the better offensive line and play in a division that's much easier to win. The Cardinals have more receiving talent, what many believe is a more receptive head coach, better weather and a domed stadium. 

But, Manning has said he would rather play in the familiar AFC, away from his brother Eli. 

When breaking it down in specific categories, the Cardinals win 4 to 2. That doesn't necessarily mean he'll make the desert his new home. 

Where do you think Manning will land?