In what has become annually one of the better offseason NFL reads, Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning has been named the league’s No. 1 player by CBSSports.com NFL writer Pete Prisco.

Manning, who last season was named the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player for a third time in six seasons, was named No. 1, with New England Patriots QB Tom Brady, Dallas Cowboys OLB DeMarcus Ware, Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson and New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees.

In all, four Colts made the Top 50. Here they are with Prisco’s comments:

1. Peyton Manning, QB: He won the MVP despite a slow start with knee troubles. He’s still at the top of his game and has five good years left — at least.

18. Dwight Freeney, DE: He’s a speed rusher who might be the most disruptive edge rusher when he’s healthy. He has an impact on the game even when he’s not getting sacks.

27. Reggie Wayne, WR: He has been the Colts’ go-to guy the past two seasons and with Marvin Harrison gone, there isn’t a doubt. He’s undervalued by most.

38. Bob Sanders, S: The only thing that has held him back has been the injuries. If he can stay healthy, he can be as good as any at this position.

IFR Analysis: This has become pretty much the consensus among national analysts — Manning, Freeney, Wayne and Sanders as the Colts’ top four. I don’t necessarily disagree with the players or their rankings, although I maintain that people are ranking Sanders too low because of his injuries. A couple of things I think national guys are missing out on: 1) the effectiveness of DE Robert Mathis, who always misses these lists while routinely leading the Colts in sacks; and 2) the quality of play of CB Kelvin Hayden, who is on the cusp of the Pro Bowl. Prisco also left out TE Dallas Clark, who has had two big-time seasons in succession and has a chance to be in the Pro Bowl discussion this season. With those seven, the Colts have as talented a core as there is in the NFL, and that’s not including C Jeff Saturday, a three-time Pro Bowl selection.