Los Angeles Chargers

Osweiler already named Week 17 starter vs. Chargers

Published Dec. 29, 2015 9:11 a.m. ET

foxsports

By Steve DelVecchio

After Brock Osweiler led the Broncos to a come-from-behind overtime victory against the Bengals Monday night, it has become fairly clear that we have seen the last of Peyton Manning this season, and perhaps ever in a Denver uniform.

Broncos coach Gary Kubiak has already confirmed that Osweiler will start against the Chargers in the final game of the regular season.

Manning has said that he hopes to begin practicing this week, but this is hardly a surprise. The Broncos are in position to clinch a playoff bye and have gone 4-2 in games Osweiler has started. There’s basically no turning back now.

In fact, a case could be made that starting Manning would be a distraction. Whether it is true or not, the report that Manning used performance-enhancing drugs would likely dominate the line of questioning he is asked in every press conference. Manning has indicated that the HGH allegations restored his arm strength, but this is Osweiler’s team now. The Broncos will go as far as the 25-year-old takes them.

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