Sunday, January 19th 2014 (3 PM ET)
Station: CBS
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson (sidelines)
Point Spread: Broncos (-4)
Over/Under: 56
Expected Game-Time Weather: 37-59 degree and sunny. Wind WSW at 9 MPH.
Patriots Offense vs Broncos Defense | Team | PPG | Passing Yds | Rushing Yds | Total Yds | Sacks | Turnover Diff. |
| Patriots | 27.8 (3) | 255.4 (10) | 129.1 (10) | 384.5 (7) | 40 (12) | +9 (8) |
| Broncos | 24.9 (22) | 254.4 (27) | 101.6 (8) | 356.0 (19) | 41 (13) | 0 (14) |
The last time these two teams met, back in Week 12, New England 440 total yards and 27 first downs. They ran a high-tempo offense, which led to a whopping 84 plays on the day. Tom Brady was absolutely on spot, completing 34-of-50 passes for 344 yards with three scores and zero touchdowns. Interestingly enough, Stevan Ridley and LeGarrette Blount combined for just six total touches in the 34-31 victory.
Rob Gronkowski, who is currently sidelined with a torn ACL, put up 90 yards and a score on seven receptions. In order for the Patriots to have success through the air in this one, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola will have to come up big. The good news here (for New England) is that Denver's top cover guy Chris Harris will not be available come Sunday afternoon after tearing up his ACL last week. Denver did force three turnovers and record three sakcs in its Week 12 loss to the Patriots.
Broncos Offense vs Patriots Defense | Team | PPG | Passing Yds | Rushing Yds | Total Yds | Sacks | Turnover Diff. |
| Broncos | 37.9 (1) | 340.2 (1) | 117.1 (15) | 457.3 (1) | 20 (1) | 0 (14) |
| Patriots | 21.1 (10) | 239.0 (18) | 134.1 (30) | 373.1 (26) | 48.0 (5) | +9 (8) |
Denver ran 86 plays in that high-scoring affair back in November. Knowshon Moreno put up a ridiculous 224 yards on 37 attempts, acting as a perfect complement to Peyton Manning and the passing game. For his part, Manning struggled in the windy conditions. He completed barely over 50 percent of his passes for a season-low 150 yards and two scores in the loss. In all, Denver recorded over 400 total yards but turned the ball over four times.
It's hard to really gauge what Denver can do against a good Patriots defense based solely off of this performance. The conditions were absolutely atrocious at Gillette Stadium that day, which won't be the case come Sunday at Mile High.
Key Matchups
Aqib Talib vs Demaryius Thomas: Talib is currently playing the best football of an already solid career. He has given up just two receptions for 41 yards in his last two games. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Talib will be going up against Denver's top wide receiver in Thomas, who recorded 92 receptions for over 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns during the regular season.
Broncos Run Defense vs Patriots Three-Headed Running Back Monster: Denver ranked eighth against the run during the regular season, giving up less than 102 yards per game. For their part, the Patriots offense ranked in the top 10 on the ground and has been absolutely dominating in that category as of late. They are averaging 214 rushing yards per game over their last three outings. If the Patriots run the ball effectively, they should come out of Sports Authority with a win.
Julius Thomas vs Devin McCourty: According to Pro Football Focus, McCourty was the best overall safety in the NFL this season. Opposing quarterbacks completed only 18 targeted passes against him during the regular year. Thomas, on the other hand, led all Broncos pass catchers with a near 74 percent catch rate. Something has to give here.
Statistical Leaders
New England Patriots
Tom Brady: 60.5 completion, 4,343 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 87.3 rating
Stevan Ridley: 4.3 average, 773 rushing yards and seven touchdowns
LeGarrette Blount: 5.0 average, 772 rushing yards and seven touchdowns
Shane Vereen: 4.7 average, 208 rushing yards, 47 receptions, 427 yards and four touchdowns
Julian Edelman: 105 receptions, 1,056 yards and six touchdowns
Danny Amendola: 54 receptions, 633 yards and two touchdowns
Aaron Dobson: 37 receptions, 519 yards and four touchdowns
Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning: 68.3 completion, 5,477 passing yards, 56 total touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 115.1 rating.
Knowshon Moreno: 4.3 average, 1,038 rushing yards, 60 receptions, 548 yards and 13 total touchdowns
Demaryius Thomas: 92 receptions, 1,430 yards and 14 touchdowns
Eric Decker: 87 receptions, 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns
Wes Welker: 73 receptions, 778 yards and 10 touchdowns
Julius Thomas: 65 receptions, 788 yards and 12 touchdowns