Tom Brady appreciates more than ever his high-profile rivalry with Peyton Manning as the two modern marvels face off again Sunday in the twilight of their storied careers.

They seem to be getting better with age, and the 37-year-old New England Patriot is looking forward to another matchup with his 38-year-old Denver Broncos counterpart.

“Five, six years ago you don’t think about those things,” Brady said Monday in a radio interview with WEEI in Boston. “But as you mature a little bit and realize this could always be the last one, then you do. It’s pretty special.

“(Manning has) been one of the greatest players to ever play. I’ve been fortunate to share a field with one of the best players that has ever played the game. And every time we play a Peyton Manning-led team, it comes down to the wire. Everything is usually at stake.”

Since a 41-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, the Patriots (6-2) have been on a roll with four straight wins, including a 51-23 blowout of the Chicago Bears in Week 8.

“We brought in some great players to our offense over the last few years, and we are trying to do the best we can do,” Brady said. “And other teams are doing that, too.”

The Broncos (6-1) have been impressive, too.

Manning, who two games ago passed Brett Favre to gain the top spot on the NFL’s all-time passing touchdown list, has plenty of weapons again this season. In his past 23 games for the Broncos, Manning has 77 touchdown passes and just 13 interceptions.

“What can you say more about what Peyton Manning has been able to accomplish? It’s been the greatest season-and-a-half stretch in the history of the NFL,” Brady said. “Nobody has really matched what he has been able to do, what that offense has been able to do most importantly. When we play this weekend, we are going to have to try to match it because that is what it is going to take. They have a great team, and we are going to have to be at our best.”

The Patriots faced the Broncos twice last season, winning in an epic comeback during the regular season and losing in the AFC title game.