5 NFL Teams Who Would Have Been Better for Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning landed with the Denver Broncos this past offseason after spending a few weeks as the most sought-after free agent in NFL history, but his decision to play for the Broncos was a bad one—there were five other teams better for Manning. 

This is not to say the Broncos are bad for Manning. It's been a slow start so far in Denver, but the Broncos have a serious shot at contending for a Super Bowl this season. 

There were, however, better fits for Manning that were at one point pursuing him in the "Manning Sweepstakes" before he ultimately chose Denver. These teams have better weapons than Manning currently has in Denver and would easily be a better team with Manning at the helm than the Broncos are now. 

Here are five teams who would have been better for Peyton Manning.

5. Tennessee Titans

To begin, the Tennessee Titans were a better fit for Peyton Manning off the field considering he played college ball at Tennessee and his family enjoys it there. 

On the field, Manning would have made the Titans abysmal offense, currently led by Jake Locker and Matt Hasselbeck, one of the best units in the league. 

Manning would have been able to work with an outstanding crop of receivers in Kenny Britt, Nate Washington and rookie Kendall Wright, as well as a budding top talent in tight end Jared Cook. Running back Chris Johnson would also have much bigger running lanes and likely be more effective than he is now. 

Defensively the Titans are nowhere near the Broncos, but that would change quickly with Manning potentially controlling time of possession and keeping the unit off the field. 

Manning should have taken a closer look at his hometown team. 

4. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently one of the worst teams in the NFL, but it would have been a much different story had Peyton Manning come to Arrowhead Stadium. 

Manning would have his choice of elite weapons to play with in Kansas City, which overall is much better than what the Denver Broncos currently have. 

Jamaal Charles is an elite back that could take a lot of pressure off Manning, and Dexter McCluster is a versatile game-breaking player that Manning could utilize in a variety of ways. Dwayne Bowe is still a legit No. 1 receiver and would blossom with Manning throwing him passes. 

Like the aforementioned Titans, the Chiefs don't have the best defense in the league but would benefit greatly from having Manning control the play clock. 

Kansas City is not the most attractive place to play, but Manning would have given the Chiefs the best offense in the NFL, and maybe more. 

3. Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks are one of the best teams in the NFL with a rookie quarterback in Russell Wilson, so imagine how much better they would be with Peyton Manning orchestrating the offense. 

Offensively the Seahawks are mediocre at best thanks to Wilson, but they have some stellar talent Manning could have utilized better. Marshawn Lynch is an elite back and far superior to anyone Denver has, and Sidney Rice would be great with Manning tossing him passes. Zach Miller and Golden Tate are solid options that would make Manning happy as well. 

The real story for Seattle is the defense, which is only giving up 15 points per game—good for being ranked the second-best defense in the NFL. It's a unit that is much better than Manning has ever played with and would take the pressure off him entirely. 

It's unknown why the Manning-Seattle relationship didn't work out, but it would have more than likely resulted in another Seahawks Super Bowl appearance. 

2. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers currently have the best rushing attack in the NFL to go along with a top-five defensive unit—the only missing piece is Peyton Manning. 

Frank Gore is still a stellar running back and is supported by one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Manning would have benefited greatly from both. Michael Crabtree is still a consistent receiver, and Randy Moss is still a great deep threat.

Manning would have also been lucky enough to play with Vernon Davis, far and away the best tight end he would have ever thrown passes to in his career. 

Defensively not much needs to be said. Justin Smith, Patrick Willis and Co. once again have one of the best units in the league, and one that would not be dependent on Manning keeping them off the field for extended periods. 

The 49ers made the NFC Championship Game last season without Manning. Had Manning joined this elite team, a Super Bowl would have easily come to San Francisco.

1. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are one of the better teams in the NFL courtesy of an elite defense and a solid offensive unit. While Arizona arguably may not be better than the San Francisco 49ers, the Cardinals have one player that would have made Arizona a better destination.

Larry Fitzgerald. 

It's one of those dream scenarios for football fans, and it nearly came to fruition. NFL fans were about one week away from seeing Manning throw passes to Fitzgerald. Both are two of the greatest ever at their respective positions and would have decimated the rest of the NFL with ease. 

Of course, the rest of the team would have been great for Manning as well. Michael Floyd is a great option across from Fitzgerald, and Andre Roberts is emerging as a threat. Defensively the Cardinals also have a stout unit that wouldn't have to rely on Manning for relief. 

The desert was the best place for Manning to go, and the Cardinals may just end up going farther than the Denver Broncos in 2012—without Manning. 

Manning should have chosen Arizona because the Cardinals were easily the best fit for the Hall of Famer.

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