Broncos Name Peyton Manning Their Starter for Playoffs

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Peyton Manning will start for the Denver Broncos in the playoffs.

Coach Gary Kubiak informed his team of the decision Thursday morning when players returned from a three-day furlough after securing the AFC's top seed.

Manning missed seven starts with a left foot injury.

He returned to action Sunday when he relieved Brock Osweiler in the second half and led the Broncos (12-4) to a 27-20 win over San Diego.

The Broncos went 7-2 with Manning as their starter and 5-2 under Osweiler, including Sunday's win over the Chargers.

Osweiler has never taken a snap in the playoffs. Manning is 11-13 in the playoffs over his 18-year career. That includes an NFL record nine first-game exits, three Super Bowls and one ring.