Hoda Kotb -- BEGS PEYTON MANNING ... Please Don't Retire!!!

Well, at least one person still believes in Peyton Manning ...

Despite the vomit-inducing performance he put on this weekend, "Today" show co-host Hoda Kotb says she still STRONGLY believes in the Broncos QB.

In fact, she even lays out a case for Manning ... saying he's still "golden" ... and predicts he'll eventually return to greatness!!!