Game Plan
When the Broncos run
Denver has averaged 2.9 rushing yards per carry in the six games since was placed on injured reserve with a torn meniscus. A nonexistent running game forces the Broncos’ already struggling offense to be one-dimensional. They had 18 yards on nine carries against Tennessee. Denver needs more from Devontae Booker. New England has the sixth-best rushing defense; Denver has the sixth-worst rushing offense. Edge: Patriots
When the Patriots run
Nearly all of the attention will be on quarterback , but the Patriots have the NFL’s seventh-best rushing offense with a trio of backs — , and — carrying the load. Blount is the power runner in between the tackles while White and Lewis are the speedy and receiving backs. Denver has struggled to stop the run all season, giving up 127.2 yards per game, fourth worst in the NFL. Edge: Patriots
When the Broncos pass
has played well in his last few starts, in part because he is finding top receivers and often. Siemian has thrown for more than 250 yards in each of his last five games. First quarter woes have consistently led to a heavily skewed pass-run balance and an early deficit. New England’s secondary has played well with Pro Bowlers Devin McCourty and Malcolm Butler on the back end. Edge: Patriots
When the Patriots pass
Brady lost his best weapon, tight end , but he’s still playing better than any other quarterback in the NFL. , , and Malcolm Mitchell aren’t world beaters, but they will be a worthy challenge for the Broncos’ secondary. Denver is the NFL’s best pass defense and ranks second in sacks. The Broncos held Titans quarterback to just 88 passing yards last week. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
The Patriots had their share of special teams woes against Baltimore on Monday with two turnovers on punt returns leading to Ravens touchdowns. They did block a field goal using the “leaper” technique Monday. Both kickers, Denver’s and New England’s Stephen Gostkowski, have had consistent seasons. Edge: Broncos
3 Things to Watch
1. Battle of defenses
There’s not much debate about the better offense, but to win Sunday the Broncos need to be the better defense. New England has the second-best scoring defense, giving up 17.7 points per game. Denver has the sixth-best scoring defense, giving up 18.6 points per game. Scores in that range would benefit the Broncos.
2. Von vs. Brady
One of Tom Brady’s best traits is his ability to feel pressure and get rid of the ball quickly. That puts pressure on the Broncos’ secondary to smother New England on short routes for the front-seven to get to Brady with limited blitzes. is the NFL co-leader with 13.5 sacks. Brady has only been sacked 12 times this season.
3. LeGarrette Blount
The Patriots excel at exploiting weaknesses, meaning Blount likely will be a big part of their game plan. New England’s lead back is one of six in the NFL with more than 1,000 rushing yards this season. Blount also leads the league with 14 rushing touchdowns. Blount’s 1,029 rushing yards are more than double the Broncos’ leading back, Devontae Booker.
