When Peyton Manning was not in uniform for the Nov. 29 game between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, some thought Manning-Tom Brady rivalry was finished.
Yet, less than two months later, Manning has gone through countless hours of rehab on his left foot to return to the field as the Broncos and Patriots, once again, pushed their way into the AFC Championship Game.
Two future Hall of Famers will face each other for the 17th time in their careers, and for the fourth time in the AFC Championship Game.