Tom Brady, Peyton Manning. When you think of the names, you think one word: Legendary. Those two have met 16 times, Brady claiming victory in 11 of those contests. The two have led opposite paths, but always seem to end up at the same destination.

THE TWO PATHS

Tom Brady, a quarterback who's been a backup at every level, dating back to his freshman year of high school when he was the backup JV quarterback. He earned the starting spot there and continued to prove himself. From thence he continued the "backup" role at the University of Michigan, which then after proving himself as an elite college player, was picked 199th overall in the sixth round by the New England Patriots in the 2000 NFL Draft, the seventh quarterback chosen in that year's draft. But once again, becoming a backup for Drew Bledsoe, only until Bledsoe became injured and Brady proved himself to legendary coach, Bill Belichick. Fast forward fifteen years, and Brady sits two wins away from becoming the only QB ever to win five Super Bowl's.

Peyton Manning grew up in a family of football. His dad Archie was star quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, his older brother was a star wide receiver in high school, along with his younger brother, Eli, who knows a thing or two about beating Brady in postseason play. Peyton was a star quarterback at Tennessee and was named a Heisman finalist, and from there became the number one overall pick in 1998. Unlike Brady, Manning was the automatic starter for every team in the NFL and has only been named the backup once, and that was in Week 16 this season coming off of an injury.

THE RIVALRY

The first game of this series can date back all the way to September 30, 2001. The rookie and former backup, Tom Brady, led his Patriots to a convincing 44-13 victory over Manning's Indianapolis Colts'. The two have played in the playoffs four times, the series is tied. The most recent time the Denver Broncos and Patriot's have faced each other was earlier this season, but due to Manning's injury, Brock Osweiler faced off against Brady's Patriot's and pulled off a surprising overtime victory.

THE FINALE?

Unfortunately, all great things must come to an end. Due to Manning's age and health, this may be his last time facing  off against Brady. Even if he were to play next year, there's no telling if he would remain healthy, lead his team to the playoffs, or perhaps young Brock Osweiler will beat him out for the starting role. So maybe this isn't the last time they will face, or the last time they will play each other in the playoff's, but everyone must enjoy this rivalry while it's still here, because it will be over in the blink of an eye.