Phillip Rivers got his fondest wish and Tim Tebow his newest nightmare when the Denver Broncos won the Peyton Manning sweepstakes.
The elder Manning brother is the NFL’s most eligible quarterback who turned the tables on NFL teams. When you are Peyton Manning, teams sell themselves to you.
The 8-8 Broncos made the playoffs when controversial quarterback Tim Tebow led Denver to a 7-4 finish after the team’s week six Bye. Tebow proved correct everything said about him. He is a sub-par quarterback by NFL standards. He has an indomitable will to win.
Ironically, Denver head coach John Fox’ willingness to adapt the offense to Tebow may have sold Manning on the team. Manning is a NFL living legend who had an outsized influence on the Indianapolis Colts’ offense. He wants that influence to his new team and sought a franchise that would give it to him.
Broncos’ legend and executive vice president John Elway caught heat from Denver fans after his faint-hearted endorsement of Tebow at mid-season. By winning over Manning, Elway found the one person who would shield the team from fan ire over displacing Tebow.
Elway may now add “the catch” to “the drive” in his personal mythology. 
Denver met Manning’s whispered criteria for his next team. It is in a winnable division of the AFC. He avoids both of the NFL’s eastern divisions, which removes twice a season games against brother Eli and of rival Tom Brady.
Denver is an up and coming team with 1200-yard rusher Willis McGahee, receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas who should benefit from the Manning touch and a defense featuring fierce pass-rusher Von Miller. And Denver has John Elway, the distinguished senior member of the quarterback club. Elway proved to be the difference in Manning’s final choice.
The turbulence in Manning’s wake may sweep Tebow out of Denver. Jacksonville and Miami seem logical targets for a trade. Poor Miami fans could use some good news about a quarterback, although Tebow would draw mixed feelings.
The San Francisco 49ers are without a quarterback after leaving Alex Smith hanging while the team flirted with Manning. Now the team must mend fences with Smith who began contract talks with the Dolphins today.
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