Peyton Manning: Predicting Record of Each Interested Team with Manning as QB

According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Peyton Manning has dwindled his list down to four teams:

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But there are four NFL teams that don't care how he got in this spot. The Broncos, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals are the finalists for his services.

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He's going to be 36 years old before the 2012 NFL season begins, has had multiple neck surgeries and sat out the entire 2011 season.

Therefore, is it reasonable to think that Peyton Manning will return to his normal form?

No, but that would also be unfair to Manning, as his talent is a rarity in the history of pro football.

What we can expect, though, is him getting quickly reaccustomed to the feel of the game. If Carson Palmer can do it in Oakland, Manning can do it with one of his four finalists next fall.

Tennessee Titans

In 2011, the Tennessee Titans finished 9-7 and just missed out on the postseason.

The team had the NFL's No. 31-ranked ground game with just 90 yards per game. Running back Chris Johnson got off to a slow start and finished strong. However, it just wasn't enough.

Key injuries plagued Tennessee and the defense ranked No. 24 against the run, allowing almost 130 yards per game in the trenches. Rookie quarterback Jake Locker did well when stepping in for Matt Hasselbeck, but neither were overly impressive.

It's worth pointing out Hasselbeck is a little older than Manning, so that would be an interesting situation.

With Manning under center and a spruced-up receiving corps, the Titans would thrash in 2012.

The only concern would be defense, as losing Cortland Finnegan to the Rams hurts the Tennessee pass defense.

Record: 10-6

Denver Broncos

In a little better position than the Titans, the Denver Broncos have a developing defense with Von Miller as their centerpiece.

Elsewhere on the Orange Crush, Elvis Dumervil, Wesley Woodyard, Champ Bailey and Quinton Carter support Miller.

Offensively, Denver finished 2011 with the No. 1 rushing offense, but Tim Tebow's scrambling is responsible for much of that.

Nevertheless, the Broncos have promising receivers in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker for Manning.

For as clutch as each were in 2011, Manning would easily improve both targets and dice up some sketchy AFC West pass defenses. Kansas City would be a challenge with a healthy Eric Berry, but the Chargers and Raiders…not so much.

Provided that Denver makes great use of its cap space and draft picks, contending for a second straight division title is realistic with a decently favorable schedule.

Record: 11-5

Arizona Cardinals

Arguably the best overall fit for Manning, the Arizona Cardinals may have started the 2011 season 1-6, but finished 7-2 and have a bunch of momentum heading into the 2012 season.

Receiver Larry Fitzgerald is arguably the best target in the game and his connection with Manning would be a special one.

Arizona also has an improving defense that allowed just 18.3 points per game in its final nine games.

Rookie cornerback Patrick Peterson returned four punts for a touchdown, earning him an All-Pro selection, so the field-position and game-changing advantage resides in the Grand Canyon State as well.

Manning's addition will significantly boost the ground game as Beanie Wells was inconsistent, despite gaining over 1,000 yards last season.

Include some wise draft picks and a mediocre schedule, and Manning makes the Cardinals legit NFC West title contenders.

Record: 11-5

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins may have made the Peyton Manning final four, but they're a long-shot No. 4 to land the NFL's only four-time MVP.

After trading away Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears, it would be extremely surprising if Manning signed in South Florida.

Had they kept Marshall and acquired Manning, the Dolphins could have gone at least 12-4. With Marshall gone, Manning at the helm is an upgrade from Matt Moore, but the Dolphins would need to quickly develop receivers via the draft.

Running back Reggie Bush would surely have less pressure, as defenses wouldn't load the box—making him that much more dangerous.

Tight end Anthony Fasano has emerged as an underrated receiving threat. We all know Manning loves to target his tight ends, i.e. Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme. A Manning-to-Fasano connection would be fascinating to watch.

Defensively, Miami would just need to be good enough, because the offense would determine games against a rather tough schedule.

Record: 9-7

John Rozum on Twitter.