SI Covers: Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady

It would be hard for any fan of the NFL to deny that Peyton Manning and Tom Brady are not the two best QBs in the league. Sports Illustrated is aware of this as well, having put the two gun slingers on the cover a total of 10 times combined, not counting the issues with the little corner photos. This week the cover features both Manning and Brady, previewing Monday night's showdown between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. Here is a look at how SI has covered the two QBs over the years, leading up to another big match up.

August 26, 1996: In the College Football preview SI compares Peyton with his father Archie Manning.

September 22, 1997: Peyton faces his college nemesis the Florida Gators.

November 22, 1999: Peyton makes some waves as an NFL QB.

April 15, 2002: Super Bowl XXXVI MVP Tom Brady gets his first cover.

December 22, 2003: Manning has the Colts rolling into the playoffs...

February 9, 2004: ...But in the end it was Brady and the Patriots holding the trophy, after defeating Manning and the Colts in the AFC Championship and the Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Brady is named MVP for the 2nd time.

September 6, 2004: SI picks the Patriots to repeat, with Brady leading the way.

October 18, 2004: Brady and the Patriots break the NFL record for consecutive wins.

December 20, 2004: Manning is on pace to break the NFL single season touchdown record.

February 7, 2005: After defeating Manning and the Colts in the Divisional Playoff and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship, Brady and the Patriots head back to the Super Bowl.