Sports

Peyton ‘primed’ to meet Steelers

The nation won’t have to wait long to see Peyton Manning in a Broncos uniform.

Manning’s first game as Broncos quarterback will come in prime time as Denver hosts Pittsburgh on the opening Sunday of the NFL season. The four-time MVP was released by Indianapolis after missing the 2011 season following neck surgery.

“We’re excited about that. Anytime you have a guy behind the center named Peyton Manning, you’re going to get a lot of attention,” Broncos executive vice president John Elway said.

Manning won’t have an easy assignment against the Steelers, who ranked first in overall defense and against the pass last year.

“The opening game in Denver obviously will be an interesting way to start the season,” Steelers president Art Rooney said.

Pittsburgh’s season ended in Denver in January when Tim Tebow threw an 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime in their wild-card playoff game. Manning presents a whole different challenge.

Steelers at Broncos is one of four prime-time games in the league’s kickoff week, Sept. 5-10. In addition to the Super Bowl champion Giants hosting the Cowboys in the first Wednesday NFL game since 1948, the now-traditional Monday night opening doubleheader has Cincinnati at Baltimore, followed by San Diego at Oakland.

A juicy Opening-Day matchup features San Francisco at Green Bay; the teams combined to go 28-4 in 2011. New Orleans, still awaiting league punishment to its players for the bounty program that targeted opponents for dangerous hits, hosts Washington.

The Saints have a bye after their fifth game, which means interim coach Joe Vitt will actually miss seven weeks during his six-game suspension for his role in the bounty system.

A 14-week package of Thursday night games begins in Week 2 with Chicago at Green Bay.