Peyton v. Eli: Breaking Down the Battle of the Mannings

Player A

230 completions in 371 attempts (62.0%)
2624 yards
19 TDs
8 INTs, 2 Fumbles
91.3 Passer Rating
194.3 Fantasy Points

Player B

281 Completions in 445 Attempts (63.1%)
2948 yards
19 TDs
12 INTs
85.3 Passer Rating
207.1 Fantasy Points

When you look at the numbers it is hard to differentiate the two Mannings. 

Knowing the Giants propensity to pound the football on the ground, it’s probably obvious that Player B and his 74 additional passing attempts is Peyton. 

Considering how much his team utilizes the ground game, Eli’s numbers are very impressive.  We’re talking a little more than a point per game difference.  This is with his No. 1 wideout Plaxico missing games to suspension, injury, and gunfire.  Just knowing how much he counted on Plaxico last year, it’s pretty amazing to think Eli is having an even better season this year.

When you look at the success their respective teams are having you can’t help but side a little with Eli.  A year after Tiki Barber left, the Giants had to deal with Michael Strahan retiring.  Then Osi Umenyiora goes down.  Jeremy Shockey gets dealt.  Plax plays in just 10 games. 

How have the Giants responded? 

How about by going 11-1?  They have won seven straight after being tripped up by Cleveland.

The Colts have had to deal with a lot of injuries this year as well.  Bob Sanders, the heart and soul of their defense, has missed several games.  Jeff Saturday, a key cog in their Offensive Line, has missed several games.  Joseph Addai missed a couple of games. Even Peyton himself was a little shaky to start the year as he missed so much time to his Bursa Sac injury. 

Yet, if the season ended today the Colts would be in the playoffs thanks to their five-game winning streak.

So to answer the question, which Manning is better—Peyton or Eli? 

Prior to the Giants playoff run I would have you committed for asking that question.  While my answer remains Peyton by a slim margin, Eli has really narrowed the gap.