Peyton Manning: Predictions for Broncos QB's Matchup vs. Falcons

Peyton Manning is going to roll into the Georgia Dome and take down the Atlanta Falcons in what is going to be one of the best Monday night games all year. 

Both of these teams started off with impressive wins in Week 1, and the Super Bowl buzz surrounding these two franchises is already building. 

Here is how this game will play out. 

Eclipses the 300-yard Mark

Lost in the hype surrounding the Falcons' dynamic offensive display in their 40-24 win over the Kansas City Chiefs is that they allowed the Chiefs to run up 24 points. They tightened up their defense in the second half, but still allowed Matt Cassel to throw for 258 yards in total. 

If Cassel can put up those kinds of numbers against Atlanta, Peyton Manning might throw for 600 yards. OK, that might be a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the point.  

Manning threw for 253 yards last week against a tougher defense in the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will better that number with another week of experience with his new teammates. 

Jacob Tamme Will be Manning's Favorite Target

Tight end Jacob Tamme was third on the Broncos in Week 1 for targets at five. He caught all five of those targets, which tied him for the team lead. 

Last week, the Falcons allowed the Chiefs two tight ends, Tony Moeaki and Kevin Boss, to combine for five catches, 73 yards and a touchdown. 

The Falcons will be geared up to limit the Broncos big-play capability on the outside, and this is going to leave them vulnerable to the tight end. Manning and Tamme will make them pay, as Tamme will haul in seven catches, one of which will be a touchdown. 

Broncos Win, 31-27

As I stated above, the Broncos are going to win this quality matchup. We've discussed the success Manning will have in the air, and while the Falcons' potent offense will find some success, they will come up just short. 

Matt Ryan has a ton of weapons and will go blow-for-blow with Manning, but sooner or later the Denver pass rush will lead to the key stop that paves the way for a Broncos win.