FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — For 10 years, it was billed as Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady.
But now, with Manning halfway through his first season in Denver, Sunday’s showdown between the Indianapolis Colts (6-3) and New England Patriots (6-3) is being hyped for rookie quarterback Andrew Luck’s first game against a three-time Super Bowl MVP.
Perhaps the spotlight should be on receivers Reggie Wayne and Wes Welker, though, as two of the most dynamic and dangerous weapons in the league continue surging seasons.
The quiet, crafty and versatile veterans once again rank atop the NFL this year. Wayne leads all receivers with 69 receptions and is second to Detroit’s Calvin Johnson with 931 yards. Welker, meanwhile, is tied for third with 66 receptions and is seventh with 810 yards.
The fact that they’re both at the head of the class shouldn’t come as a surprise, though.
