There are plenty of reasons to be excited for the start of the NFL season. In fact, with Wednesday marking 50 days until the regular season kicks off, Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke picked out 50 reasons why you should be looking forward to the 2015 campaign.

No. 1, of course, is Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

Or more specifically, according to Burke, the question of whether this is Manning's "last stand."

"It's not always easy to simply sit back and appreciate greatness, so even Peyton Manning has to deal with criticism over his playoff record (11–13) and, more recently, his arm strength," Burke wrote. "Regardless of what happens in 2015—or if he goes on to play in '16—Manning has stated his case for the honor of best quarterback in NFL history."

RELATED: Peyton Manning officially announces Chattanooga Heroes Fund

The chatter has certainly been there regarding what the 18-year veteran still has in the tank at 39 years old, but he and those close to him seem to think everything will be just fine in 2015. His arm is apparently stronger than ever, and he's had no problem adjusting to an offense that should take some of the burden off of him this season.

Plus, as Burke points out, Manning still has some history to make. A year after breaking Brett Favre's mark for career touchdown passes and finishing the season with a total of 530, Manning will in all likelihood break Favre's mark for career passing yards at some point this season -- maybe even against his former team in Indianapolis. Then there's the showdown with Tom Brady and the Patriots in Week 12 and hopefully for Broncos fans another trip to the playoffs and a fifth straight AFC West title.

And if things work out just right, maybe more.

"Does he have at least one more Super Bowl run in him?" Burke wonders. "Either way, enjoy the Peyton Manning Show while it lasts, because it may not go on much longer."