Eli’s 1-0 Giants take on Peyton Manning’s 0-1 Colts on Sunday night in Indianapolis, the second time the brothers will square off in their NFL careers.
The first matchup went to big brother Peyton in 2006, as the Colts beat the Giants 26-21 in East Rutherford, N.J., in early September of what turned out to be Indy’s Super Bowl-winning season.
Peyton threw for 276 yards and a touchdown in the win, while Eli threw for 247 and two TDs in a losing effort.
This time around, Eli is seeking revenge, in addition to the chance to start the season 2-0. His Giants trounced the Carolina Panthers at home in Week 1, perhaps making a statement to the rest of the NFC East that they will contend for the division title.
But if you have the notion that Peyton is going to take it easy on his younger brother, think again.
The Colts lost a shootout on Sunday to the Texans, a game that could prove to be vital in the AFC South standings come January. Manning wasn’t the problem though, as he went a ridiculous 40-for-57 for 433 yards and three touchdowns in the 34-24 loss.
Imagine how he’ll play when he’s still fuming from Week 1.
The great thing about the Eli-Peyton sibling rivalry is that they’re both good quarterbacks who, in turn, consistently lead good football teams.
The Colts-Giants game on Sunday could end up with both Mannings throwing for 400 yards in an epic shootout reminiscent of the backyard games they used to play against each other as kids. The game could also be a defensive struggle, with both quarterbacks being ineffective in a 7-6 final.
Either way, the winner gets first dibs on turkey at Thanksgiving.
