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Brady vs. Manning
The Data War Behind the Greatest QB Rivalry in NFL History
Samuel Rogers
September 16, 2025
There are rivalries.
And then there's Brady vs. Manning.
Two generational icons.
A combined 767 starts, 17 MVP-caliber seasons, and 10 Super Bowl wins.
But their true greatness wasn't just in numbers—it was in how they defined two completely different philosophies of quarterbacking.
Let’s break down the most iconic head-to-head in NFL history. No hype. Just data.
⚔️ HEAD-TO-HEAD SNAPSHOT
Category | Tom Brady | Peyton Manning |
|---|---|---|
Head-to-Head (Total) | 11–6 | 6–11 |
Playoff H2H | 3–2 | 2–3 |
Super Bowl Titles | 7 | 2 |
NFL MVPs | 3 | 5 |
All-Pro Selections | 6 | 7 |
4th Quarter Comebacks | 46 | 43 |
Game-Winning Drives | 58 | 54 |
🔎 Clarity: Brady won more. Manning changed more.
📊 DEEP DIVE: ADVANCED METRICS
Metric | Tom Brady | Peyton Manning |
|---|---|---|
Career EPA/play | +0.218 | +0.246 |
Peak EPA/play | +0.275 (2007) | +0.285 (2004) |
CPOE (Career) | +3.8% | +4.6% |
Passer Rating – Final 2 Min | 102.6 | 89.4 |
3rd & Long Conversion % | 47.2% | 41.9% |
TD:INT Ratio | 649:212 (3.06) | 539:251 (2.15) |
🔬 Translation:
Manning was a surgical pre-snap genius, dominating predictive models.
Brady was a situational killer, dominating pressure-packed realities.
🏗️ SUPPORT & STRUCTURE
Context | Tom Brady | Peyton Manning |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Defense Rank (Scoring) | 6.9 | 14.3 |
Hall of Fame WRs/TEs | 2 (Moss, Gronk) | 3 (Harrison, Wayne, Gonzalez) |
Coaching Continuity | Belichick (20 yrs) | 4 OCs, 3 HCs |
Run Game Support (Avg. Rank) | Top 10 | Bottom 15 for 8 years |
🎯 Brady had better team structure.
🏗️ Manning had more on his shoulders.
🏈 PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE
Category | Tom Brady | Peyton Manning |
|---|---|---|
Postseason Record | 35–13 | 14–13 |
Playoff Pass TDs | 88 | 40 |
Super Bowl Appearances | 10 | 4 |
Super Bowl Wins | 7 | 2 |
Passer Rating (Conf. Championships) | 96.1 | 101.7 |
🔥 Insight: Manning could reach the elite tier, but Brady built his house there.
🧠 FOOTBALL IQ & STYLE
Manning:
Called own plays
Changed protections
Shifted tempo with audibles pre-snap
Essentially acted as OC on the field
Set statistical records that still stand
Brady:
Unmatched late-game execution
Ruthless in short-yardage and red zone
Took fewer risks, maximized outcomes
Transformed from system QB → system builder
🎓 Legacy Distinction:
Manning may have been the greatest regular season tactician in NFL history.
Brady was the greatest pressure performer the sport has ever seen.
🔚 FINAL VERDICT — WHO WON THE RIVALRY?
Analytics:
Manning outperformed expectations.
Brady redefined expectations.
Legacy:
Brady’s rings speak louder than stats.
Manning’s mind changed the way the position is played.
🏆 Edge: Brady
🧠 Edge: Manning
📖 Historical Impact: Split Decision
This rivalry wasn’t just about who was better.
It was about what “better” even means.
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