The Top 7 Reasons Peyton Manning Chose the Denver Broncos

It was the right move. Like it or not, it was the right move.

The Peyton Manning Sweepstakes was reportedly won by John Elway.

Manning now forges on with a new team and a new destiny. For the other teams involved, it is more like pack up, regroup and figure out what happened.

Denver is now one of the leading contenders for a Super Bowl berth. And the others will have to claw their way to the top.

Here are some reasons choosing Denver was the right move to make.

Less Southern Stress

It may sound a little odd, but Manning played ball at the University of Tennessee. His parents have their home in the South. Manning going to play for the Titans would be a huge stress case, in my opinion.

For years, Manning was the prodigal son of the state—well, after he left college. The South is rich in that great football tradition, and the Mannings are considered football royalty there.

All the more reason why the pressure would build and build, especially if he did not win or was not the passer he once was.

He Could Make Demaryius Thomas the Next Reggie Wayne

I think Demaryius Thomas is the next great breakout wide receiver. And Manning knows a thing or two about great receivers, having played with Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne.

Some of Thomas' game reminds me of Wayne. While the second-year pro was developing a relationship with Tim Tebow, Manning makes his game that much more effective.

Manning to Thomas will be a hit next season.

He Is Very Familiar with John Elway

There is something about a Hall of Fame quarterback calling you and asking you to come play for his team.

In the NFL, few were greater than John Elway.

When Elway calls you, you listen.

I think quarterbacks understand each other. And in this case, Manning was able to see that Elway knew exactly how to make the "youngster" feel right at home.

He's a Better Quarterback

You cannot argue that at all.

Four NFL MVP Awards, a Super Bowl ring and other accolades tell you that.

While he is not a mobile quarterback, 75 percent of Manning under center is better than Tebow at this point. That does not mean things can't change down the road.

Tebow may get you to the playoffs, but Manning gets you to a Super Bowl.

He Becomes the Best Quarterback in the Division by Default

Carson Palmer has a nice arm, but the Raiders receivers don't allow him to be the passer he can be. And coming into this division, with Philip Rivers, who was rocky in the first half of the season and straightened things out in the final seven games, you have to wonder if losing his top receiver to free agency (Vincent Jackson) will affect him.

Manning is much better than Matt Cassel, so that is no great surprise.

Manning, with his accuracy and awareness and his ability to read defenses, is the best one of the lot and that means something when you play teams like Kansas City, San Diego and Oakland twice a year.

It Was the Right Thing to Do

The NFL is predicated on 16 regular season games, the fewest in all of professional sports. And with that short of a window, you make changes to make the best for your team.

Any team who said they could not benefit from having Peyton Manning on the team was only fooling themselves.

Half of Manning is better than 75 percent of the passers in the league. Having his knowledge on the sideline and in the locker room is gold.

And having an arm that flings the ball like he does only means good things for the future.

It's a Very Winable Division

Each team has a question mark or two. Denver seems to be the most sound.

While Kansas City has injury concerns and the return of Matt Cassel and Jamaal Charles along with San Diego losing Vincent Jackson and Mike Tolbert, the offenses in those cities may take a step back.

If the Raiders lose Michael Bush, then the Raiders' ground game takes a hit.

Everything that happens to everyone else is a gain for the Broncos.