David Kenyon
In case you haven’t heard, New England Patriots legend Tom Brady and fellow future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning will square off for perhaps the final time.
However, Brady joked he may not wish his longtime nemesis luck for the AFC Championship between the Patriots and Denver Broncos. CSN New England notes Brady’s comment during an interview on WEEI:
“I’m not sure … I’m not sure. I’m not sure how things are going to take place over the course of the week.”
Brady acknowledged he and Manning have developed a good friendship, noting they’ve regularly attended the same events throughout their aligning careers.
That, of course, includes four playoff matchups. Sunday’s AFC title game will determine whether or not Brady holds both the regular-season and postseason advantage or just the former — where he has a commanding 9-3 lead.
Back in 2001, the duo first squared off. Brady rattled off six straight victories before Manning snagged four of the next six as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. Although Brady earned a 2-1 edge in playoff meetings, the winner of every postseason tilt eventually won the Super Bowl.
Since Manning signed with the Broncos, he’s only managed one victory in four attempts. However, that came during the only playoff contest two years ago. Denver then lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Odds Shark lists Brady and the Patriots as early 2.5-point favorites. Manning won’t need a ton of luck to overcome his friend and rival, but a little bit wouldn’t hurt. Brady won’t be the one wishing Manning gets it, though.
