Peyton Manning inactive, Brock Osweiler to start in Week 16

Peyton Manning is once again in active for the Denver Broncos, leaving Brock Osweiler to quarterback the team on Monday Night Football in Week 16.

As expected, the Denver Broncos will go with Brock Osweiler as the starting quarterback on Monday Night Football in Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals, as Peyton Manning is inactive for the sixth straight week.

Manning has not played for the Broncos since Week 10’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs due to a nagging leg injury. Osweiler won his first three starts replacing the injured Manning, but the Broncos have lost their last two games to the Oakland Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Broncos have not scored in the second half with Osweiler under center in their last three games. AFC West rival Kansas City is riding an eight-game winning streak and should the Chiefs win out, it could be Kansas City and not Denver who wins the AFC West. Should the New York Jets defeat the New England Patriots in Week 16, there is a possibility that the Broncos could miss the AFC Playoffs despite winning 10 games in 2015.

Monday Night Football is a huge game for both the Broncos and the Bengals. Denver wants to keep Kansas City a game back in the AFC West, while Cincinnati looks to clinch a first-round bye with a win in the Mile High City.

Manning’s health has been a major concern for the Broncos this season and after resuming limited practice last week, he had to miss all of Friday’s practice after suffering a setback physically. It will be up to Osweiler to lead the Broncos in Week 16 over backup quarterback A.J. McCarron of the Bengals on Monday Night Football.