Manning Is New “Gloved One’ In Denver [VIDEOS]

Manning goes with glove as the weather gets frightful.

Ripping a page from Michael Jackson's playbook, Peyton Manning has practiced for and played in the last two games with a sticky feeling orange-and-grey glove on his throwing hand, drawing his fair share of curious glances for donning cold-weather gear when the temperatures are in the 50s, as they were Tuesday at practice.

But in getting ready for the playoff push, which could include two games in sometimes-snowy Denver, Manning is leaving no stone unturned. And, as if on cue, a strong arctic storm is expected to roll into Denver on Friday night, bringing snow and bitter cold.  The high for Saturday's playoff game against Baltimore is forecast at 20 degrees.

Broncos' Chris Kuper ready for 1st playoff appearance.   Nobody knows the value of right guard Chris Kuper's presence like Peyton Manning.   Coming off a series of neck surgeries, Denver's quarterback was sacked 21 times this season, but only twice with Kuper in the Broncos' lineup.

Although Manny Ramirez admirably filled in for him, the pocket of protection wasn't the same with Kuper out.  The anchor of Denver's offensive line, Kuper made just five starts at right guard this season and played a-half dozen snaps on special teams in two other games, including the season finale against Kansas City.

He missed the first four games with a broken left forearm and missed five other games with a sprained left ankle, the same one he dislocated and broke in a gruesome scene a year ago.  (AP)

Denver (13-3)  faces Baltimore (11-6) on Saturday.