2006: Peyton Manning (BEST)
Why He’s here: This is already Manning’s second appearance on our list and it will in no way be the last. He didn’t win the MVP this year but he did have the highest passer rating in the league for the third straight season. He was also a big part of the Colts setting a new NFL record for converting 56% of their third-down opportunities. The 2006 season is yet another example of how good Manning was in his prime and how he could play the game both physically and mentally in a way that no other quarterback ever has.
Team Success: Manning also gets credit for being the best quarterback in 2006 because it was the season of his first Super Bowl win. The Colts went 12-4, although that wasn’t even good enough to give them a bye. However, after wins over the Chiefs and Ravens, Manning led the Colts in a 2nd-half comeback against the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, erasing a 21-3 deficit on their way to the Super Bowl.
By the Numbers: Completed 363 of 557 passes (65%) for 4,397 yards with 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions.