20 best quarterback seasons in NFL history

13 of 20

OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 29: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos calls out signals to his offense against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on December 29, 2013 in Oakland, California. The Broncos won the game 34-14. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

8. Peyton Manning, Broncos (2013)

Just as was the case six years earlier for Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady, an NFL quarterback set new records during the regular season only to be humbled on the NFL’s biggest stage.

In the case of Peyton Manning, it was a bit different considering his career was in jeopardy after missing the 2011 season with the Colts due to numerous neck surgeries. Indianapolis parted ways with their beloved quarterback and he signed with the Broncos in 2012. He led that club to the playoffs, but the Broncos were upset at home in the divisional round by the eventual Super Bowl champion Ravens.

In the 2013 season opener at Denver, Manning threw seven touchdown passes in besting Baltimore. He was just getting warmed up and by year’s end, he set new NFL records for passing yards (5,477) and TD tosses (55) in a single season on the way to winning NFL MVP honors for the fifth time. The Broncos scored an astounding 606 points during their 13-3 campaign.

John Fox’s club scratched out playoff wins over the Chargers and Patriots to reach Super Bowl XLVIII. However, the Broncos were in over their heads (literally) in a 43-8 loss to the Seahawks in which Manning turned over the ball three times. Ouch!

Home/NFL