Peyton Manning: Predicting Broncos QB's Week 5 Fantasy Output vs. Patriots

After a slow start to the season, Denver Broncos star quarterback Peyton Manning has return to his winning ways and fantasy elite status with his huge Week 4 outing against the Oakland Raiders.

Nothing remedies a QB’s struggles like playing the Raiders’ secondary.

With 338 yards through the air and three touchdowns, Manning looked as good physically as he has since his days in Indianapolis.

As technically sound as the mechanics were, it was the rapport that continues to build between the QB and his receivers that has the Broncos heading in the right direction.

Denver faces another tough test in Week 5 against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, but Manning will lead his troops to a place he has visited many times.

Fantasy Stat Line

The New England defense has looked much better in 2012 than it did last year, but they still showed weaknesses against Buffalo and Baltimore over the last two weeks.

With Manning on target with his receivers, the 25th-ranked Patriots pass defense will be on their heels all day. As New England adjusts to the pass attack, running back Willis McGahee will continue his assault through the middle.

In typical fashion, this AFC matchup will feature a first half that is a defensive battle. Once halftime is over, though, all bets are off.

As each defense starts to wear down, the offenses will come alive with big plays, turning this into a classic Tom Brady versus Peyton Manning battle. While the jersey colors may have changed, the battle will stay just as fierce.

At the end of the day, the elite playmakers around Manning—like McGahee out of the backfield or Demaryius Thomas or Eric Decker out wide—will ultimately lead to a huge upset win on the road and a big fantasy day.

Final Word: 26-of-34 for 299 yards and two touchdowns

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