Peyton Manning Names NFL's Best Quarterback Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Audilet | Last updated Jan 12, 2025 1:06 PM ET

Peyton Manning is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. As such, the five-time league MVP has a pretty good barometer for QB talent in today's game.

On Sunday morning, Manning joined ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" to discuss this weekend's wild-card round matchups.

When discussing Sunday afternoon's matchup between the No. 2 seed Philadelphia Eagles and No. 7 seed Green Bay Packers, ESPN's Mike Greenberg asked Manning about his confidence level in Jalen Hurts as he returns from the concussion he suffered in Week 16.

Manning had some high praise for Hurts in his response, citing the Eagles' closely-contested Super Bowl loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023.

While praising Hurts, Manning identified Mahomes as the clear-cut best quarterback in the NFL.

"Let's remember, Jalen Hurts is one pass interference call away from being a Super Bowl champion and defeating the best quarterback in the NFL, Patrick Mahomes... He can do it. He won championships in college. He's made for this moment," Manning said.

Peyton Manning rides with Jalen Hurts #GoBirds pic.twitter.com/3sY9R2uVXe
— | myke | (@PhillyTruthr) January 12, 2025

Mahomes and Hurts both put on impressive performances in 2023's 38-35 Super Bowl contest. Mahomes finished the game with 182 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 21 of his 27 pass attempts. Hurts recorded four total touchdowns, one through the air and three on the ground.

Mahomes and the Chiefs have a first-round bye this weekend after notching a 15-2 regular-season record and the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

Hurts and the Eagles will kickoff against the Packers at 4:30 p.m. EST.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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