After a big loss to the Lions last week, the Broncos’ playoff hopes are razor thin entering Week 16. Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High.
Live updates
FINAL | Patriots 26, Broncos 23
The Broncos will wake up Monday morning with nothing but coal in their stockings.
They’ve got only themselves to blame for a blue, blue, blue, blue Christmas.
Needing three wins to close the season and hosting the 3-11 New England Patriots on Christmas Eve, the Broncos marred their own holiday weekend with a loss that all but seals their 2023 fate, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.
More Broncos coverage
- Kiszla: Have yourself a dreary, little Christmas. Broncos’ playoff dreams turn into lump of coal.
- Heroes and Zeros from Denver’s 26-23 loss to the New England Patriots.
- Broncos four downs: Playoff hopes on life support after Bailey Zappe and Patriots hand Denver one last embarrassing home loss.
- Broncos start Christmas Eve night against Patriots by hitting on several season-long themes, including an ominous offensive trend.
Fourth-quarter updates
Last chance (9:24 p.m.): Russell Wilson’s desperation attempt falls incomplete, and that’s game.
Broncos lose 26-23, their playoff hopes likely dying with it. — Matt Schubert
Field goal, Patriots (9:20 p.m.): Three passes and now the Pats are gonna have a shot at a 56-yarder to win it.
And he splits the uprights from 56. That might be it folks. Just two seconds left, and the Pats lead 26-23. — Matt Schubert
Stop needed (9:17 p.m.): Broncos defense needs a stop here on third-and-3 or we’re likely going to OT. — Matt Schubert
Three-and-out… (9:15 p.m.): Three plays, minus-3 yards for the Broncos. Not the best way for Denver to go. — Joe Nguyen
Re-kick (9:12 p.m.): Broncos are going to get another shot at a return after a penalty on the Pats. New England has to sprint down the field a second time. Not easy.
And the second one is shanked. That amounts to a 19-yard penalty on the Patriots. It’s first and 10 at their own 39 for the Broncos. — Matt Schubert
Three-and-out (9:10 p.m.): The Denver defense shut down Bailey Zappe and the Patriots offense. It’s up to the Broncos’ offense now. — Joe Nguyen
Conversion good (9:06 p.m.): And Wilson finds Javonte Williams on the conversion. We’re all tied up folks. It’s 23-all with 2:53 left. — Matt Schubert
Touchdown, Broncos (9:03 p.m.): Russell Wilson connects with Brandon Johnson for the 21-yard touchdown. Patriots 23, Broncos 21 before the two-point conversion try. — Joe Nguyen
Johnson makes one tackler miss, then appears to squeeze inside the pylon. We’re a two-point conversion away from a tie game. — Matt Schubert
McGlinchey injury (9:01 p.m.): Mike McGlinchey is coming off the field after that last play. — Joe Nguyen
McLaughlin injury (8:56 p.m.): Jaleel McLaughlin bolted up the middle for an 11-yard gain. He’s down on the field after crashing into Jalen Mills. — Joe Nguyen
Jeudy again (8:55 p.m.): Wilson connected with Jeudy, who made a nifty fake-out move for a 15-yard gain. — Joe Nguyen
Three-and-out (8:52 p.m.): The Broncos defense gets a three-and-out. Denver ain’t dead yet, folks. They’ll have a shot at tying this thing on the next drive. Just 6:33 to go. — Matt Schubert
Touchdown, Broncos (8:46 p.m.): Russell Wilson connects with Lucas Krull for a 3-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion is good. Patriots 23, Broncos 15 with 8:33 to go. — Joe Nguyen
What a time for Lucas Krull's first career TD!
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We have a one-possession game in Denver 👀
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Nine plays, 83 yards and a touchdown reception for Lucas Krull. After a successful two-point conversion, Denver is back in this game. It’s 23-15 with 8:33 left in the fourth quarter.
And a shot of redemption for Marvin Mims Jr., who hauled in an amazing 41-yard reception. — Matt Schubert
Jerry Jeudy sighting (8:45 p.m.): With 9:18 to go in the game, Jerry Jeudy gets his first catch. — Joe Nguyen
Big play? (8:41 p.m.): An outstretched Marvin Mims Jr. caught a 41-yard pass from Russell Wilson. It was ruled a completion, but Bill Belichick threw out a challenge flag. (Edit: And it stands.) — Joe Nguyen
Marvin Mims full extension!
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Muffed punt (8:32 p.m.): Myles Bryant muffed the punt. New England recovered the ball. — Joe Nguyen
Third-quarter analysis — Patriots 23, Broncos 7
Matt Schubert, sports editor: And we exit the third quarter with what remains of this Broncos crowd lustily booing the home team. Things are looking BLEAK, folks.
Third-quarter updates
Russ’ numbers (8:27 p.m.): Russell Wilson is 14 of 19 today for 84 yards. That’s 6 yards per completion. — Joe Nguyen
The wheels come off (8:24 p.m.): We’ve now reached DEFCON 1 on the Broncos’ season after Marvin Mims Jr. fumbled the ensuring kickoff and it was returned for a touchdown. It’s 23-7 Patriots.
Empower Field has already cleared out a fair amount. Hard to blame them. — Matt Schubert
20 3rd quarter points! Everything is going New England's way
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Touchdown, Patriots (8:22 p.m.): Bailey Zappe finds Mike Gesicki in the back of the end zone for the 11-yard touchdown. Patriots 16, Broncos 7 with 1:34 to go in the third quarter. — Joe Nguyen
What. A. Catch. (8:19 p.m.): DeVante Parker just made an amazing 30-yard catch from Bailey Zappe. — Joe Nguyen
DeVante Parker wins the 1-on-1
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Boo-urns (8:15 p.m.): After a minus-3-yard pass to Javonte Williams, the crowd is beginning to boo the Broncos. — Joe Nguyen
LOUD boos from the Empower Field faithful after that drive. I’m getting 2022 vibes here. — Matt Schubert
Another shot (8:12 p.m.): It’s Broncos ball at their 15 to start the offense’s third drive of the third quarter. It’s time to start putting together some positive plays. And maybe a pass or two to Jerry Jeudy?
16,015 no shows for tonight’s game … with playoff implications. Yes, it’s Christmas Eve. But that’s not supposed to matter in apountry. — Matt Schubert
Bad home losses (8:12 p.m.): Folks, we’re looking at the possibility of the Broncos losing to the Patriots, Jets, Commanders and Raiders at home. Not great, Bob. — Matt Schubert
Rough game for McMillian (8:02 p.m.): McMillian also got burned deep on a 41-yard pass to to Demario Douglas earlier in that drive. Not his best work in what’s otherwise been a very good season. — Matt Schubert
Touchdown, Patriots (7:59 p.m.): Bailey Zappe connects with Ezekiel Elliott for the 15-yard touchdown. Extra point is no good. Patriots 9, Broncos 7 with 9:48 to go in the third quarter. — Joe Nguyen
Ja’Quan McMillian just got hurdled by Ezekiel Elliott for a touchdown. The good news for the Broncos: Pats kicker Chad Ryland remains bad (missed XP). It’s 9-7 Pats, and the Broncos are going to have to earn this. — Matt Schubert
Sutton injury update (7:57 p.m.): Courtland Sutton is OUT for the rest of the game with a concussion. — Matt Schubert
Not a great start (7:51 p.m.): Russell Wilson was sacked on the first play of the drive. Then completed a pass to Javonte Williams for minus-1 yards. — Joe Nguyen
Halftime show (7:45 p.m.): Halftime show a two-touchdown favorite. It was a light show with the dancers lit up like candy canes, parachutists coming in all lit up and a large firework boom at the close. — Matt Schubert
The halftime show was better than the entire first half. — Ryan McFadden
Halftime analysis — Broncos 7, Patriots 3
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: If this Broncos team actually makes the playoffs, it’s going to be because Vance Joseph’s defense drags the rest of the group kicking and screaming.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Where’s the offense?
Matt Schubert, sports editor: First team to 13 wins. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.
(Anyone seen Jerry Jeudy?)
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: Hope your eggnog is higher octane than these two offenses.
Second-quarter updates
No good (7:35 p.m.): Wil Lutz had the distance. Just a little off on that 57-yarder. It’s 7-3 at the half. — Matt Schubert
Perine sighting (7:32 p.m.): And we have a Samaje Perine sighting!
As is his wont, the veteran running back picks up 9 yards on a dump-off. Perine remains a two-minute drill wizard. — Matt Schubert
No good (7:31 p.m.): The Broncos defense is giving up chunks between the 20s, but that’s it. After a New England shank, it’s 7-3 Broncos with 33 seconds left in the second quarter. — Matt Schubert
Courtland Sutton injury (7:18 p.m.): Courtland Sutton being evaluated for a possible head injury, the Broncos announce. — Matt Schubert
Sutton was first in the blue tent and then taken to the locker room. — Parker Gabriel
McLaughlin’s day (7:17 p.m.): Jaleel McLaughlin’s season-highs are 13 touches (vs. NYJ in Week 5) and 104 yards (Week 4 vs. Chicago).
Hasn’t had more than eight touches since Week 6.
Through 1.5 quarters tonight: 7 touches for 50. — Parker Gabriel
Perine search (7:16 p.m.): Pretty interesting development, running back Samaje Perine has yet to play a snap this evening. He missed Wednesday’s practice because of rest but was a full participant on Thursday and Friday. — Ryan McFadden
Super block (7:15 p.m.): Quinn Meinerz gets flagged for blocking someone really, really well. — Matt Schubert
Where’s Perine? (7:13 p.m.): We’re well into the second quarter and we’ve yet to see a single snap out of Samaje Perine. Not sure what’s going on there. — Matt Schubert
Another three-and-out (7:06 p.m.): The defense is holding up its end of the bargain. Another three-and-out for the Pats. — Matt Schubert
Fumble loss (7:01 p.m.): And then the Broncos give the ball away, with Javonte Williams the culprit and Ben Powers unable to hold onto the ball after being the first to it. The turnover luck takes a turn.
It sure looked like Ben Powers had that football. — Matt Schubert
Rookie watch (7 p.m.): That’s two first downs on two straight touches for the rookie running back. — Matt Schubert
Four touches for 36 yards for the rook already tonight. — Parker Gabriel
Run, Russ, run (6:59 p.m.): A nice 14-yard quarterback scramble by Russell Wilson. That was followed by a big 12-yard gain by Jaleel McLaughlin. — Joe Nguyen
It appears the Broncos are figuring out how to use Jaleel McLaughlin. — Matt Schubert
Field goal (6:54 p.m.): Chad Ryland nails the 33-yard field goal. Broncos 7, Patriots 3 with 13:30 to go in the first half. — Joe Nguyen
Stalled out (6:54 p.m.): A decent Patriots drive stalls out inside the red zone. Hard to imagine this Pats offense getting into the end zone tonight. I’m thinning 14 points might be enough for the Broncos tonight. — Matt Schubert
First-quarter analysis — Broncos 7, Patriots 0
Matt Schubert, sports columnist: Marvin Mims Jr. is special. The Broncos defense isn’t bad either. Russell Wilson? Not great.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: The score should really be 14-0 or 10-0 if it wasn’t for that terrible goal line sequence after Zappe’s fumble. Denver really needs better effort from its offense.
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: The Broncos squandered two golden scoring opportunities in the first quarter, but based on the opening 15 minutes there’s no way they actually lose this game. Right? Right?
Mark Kiszla, sports columnist: The Broncos can’t possibly lose to Bailey Zappe. Can they?
First-quarter updates
Sacked (6:47 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper sacks Bailey Zappe for a 10-yard loss. — Joe Nguyen
Touchdown, Broncos (6:40 p.m.): Javonte Williams pushes through for the 3-yard touchdown. Broncos 7, Patriots 0 with 5:15 to go in the first quarter. — Joe Nguyen
Javonte Williams scores the game's first TD
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Javonte Williams powers into the end zone for a touchdown. Broncos lead 7-0 with 5:15 to go in the first quarter. — Ryan McFadden
It took four carries inside the 6-yard line, but Javonte Williams has himself a touchdown. — Matt Schubert
Third time’s the charm for the Broncos in scoring range. If the defense keeps playing like it has so far, seven might be close to enough tonight. — Parker Gabriel
Where’s Perine? (6:38 p.m.): I’m begging Sean Payton to give Samaje Perine some carries. — Ryan McFadden
He is speed (6:36 p.m.): Not sure if you guys knew this, but Marvin Mims Jr. is fast. — Parker Gabriel
Marvin Mims returns the punt 52 yards and sets the Broncos up right near the red zone
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Another three-and-out (6:35 p.m.): The Broncos defense continues to hold up its end of the bargain. The Pats now have three drives for a grand total of minus-4 yards. — Matt Schubert
Nearly amazing (6:30 p.m.): Courtland Sutton nearly had an amazing catch on third-and-6. Instead, the Broncos have to punt. — Joe Nguyen
At this point, you are shocked that Sutton didn’t come down with that catch. Broncos are forced to punt after Wilson’s deep throw on third down is incomplete. Not the ideal start for Denver. — Ryan McFadden
Three-and-out (6:25 p.m.): The Broncos’ defense held the Patriots to just 3 yards on that drive. Marvin Mims gets the punt up to the New England 46-yard line. — Joe Nguyen
Denver’s defense starts off with a forced fumble and a three-and-out. Hopefully, the offense can hold up their end after that terrible start. — Ryan McFadden
Fourth-and-nothing (6:21 p.m.): And then Javonte Williams gets stuffed on fourth down from the 2. Just an abysmal start from the Broncos offense there. — Matt Schubert
New England's defense comes up with a stop on 4th and goal
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And nearly given away (6:19 p.m.): And then the Broncos nearly give it right back. Just an absolutely insane throw from Russell Wilson right there.
You have to throw that ball away. — Matt Schubert
Even though the pass was ruled incomplete, why would Wilson throw that pass? — Ryan McFadden
Team takeaway (6:17 p.m.): Well, that’s one way to start a ballgame. D.J. Jones just pancaked Bailey Zappe and now the Broncos have the ball at the New England 6-yard line. — Matt Schubert
Strip sack for the on the first play from scrimmage!
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Coin toss (6:15 p.m.): Broncos win the coin toss and — surprise, surprise — elect to kick. — Joe Nguyen
Pre-game updates
Merry Christmas (5:30 p.m.): The Patriots are playing without Jabrill Peppers, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Rhamondre Stevenson and Hunter Henry. It’s like the football gods gave the Broncos an early Christmas present. They have to take advantage of this opportunity. — Ryan McFadden
Inactives (4:40 p.m.): No surprises among the Broncos inactives:
- OLB Nik Bonitto
- QB Ben DiNucci
- S JL Skinner
- TE Nate Adkins
- OLB Thomas Incoom
- C Alex Forsyth
- DL Elijah Garcia
— Parker Gabriel
Week 16 (4:15 p.m.): Merry Christmas Eve and happy holidays to everyone joining the live blog tonight. It’s a chilly evening at Empower Field but the wind is light, the playing surface looks great and the Broncos playoff hopes rest in the balance against New England. While the scoreboard watching (and holiday meal consumption) swings into full gear, we’ll have you covered with all the latest from around the league and from Broncos/Patriots tonight.
So far today, the Broncos have received good results from other teams, most notably Cleveland dominating Houston. Tampa leading Jacksonville, 30-0, is a good result for the Broncos, too. Denver wants Miami to win the AFC East, but also wants the Dolphins to beat Buffalo in Week 18, so perhaps its better if Dallas comes back from a halftime deficit and wins there.
Of course, the best-case scenario would have been for the Chargers to hold on to their lead last night against the Bills, but that didn’t happen. It’s all contingent, of course, on Sean Payton’s team winning its final five games. — Parker Gabriel
Scouting report (9 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Patriots in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.
Game predictions
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 27, Patriots 17
It may not feel like a comfortable, two-score victory all the way through. But Denver wants to make the playoffs and New England wants a shiny, new quarterback at the top of the 2024 draft. Why deliver coal to the stocking for both when instead everybody can wake up happy on Christmas morning?
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 20, Patriots 10
If Denver’s defense wants to get the sour taste out of its mouth after allowing 42 points to the Lions, Christmas Eve would be the perfect time to do so. The Patriots rank near the bottom in every offensive category. apountry will be gifted with a win, but there’s still more work to do to make the playoffs a reality.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 19, Patriots 9
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Empower / The coaches on both sides felt decidedly dour / Big Russ looked painful, but Zappe looked worse / And Jeudy’s three drops made Santa’s brain hurt / But I heard him exclaim, as he headed toward Berkeley / “Merry Christmas to all … except for The Hoodie!”
Mark Kiszla, columnist: Broncos 3, Patriots 2
Bah, humbug! Football on Christmas Eve is an unholy intrusion by the NFL. Sorta like if grumpy Bill Belichick showed up at your holiday party bearing only Cheez-Its and asking where you keep the good bourbon.
Broncos-Patriots NFL Week 16: Must-reads
Broncos coach Sean Payton on being in the playoff hunt: “Itap addictive”
The stakes are high for the Broncos in their matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday, but head coach Sean Payton enjoys it. In fact, he craves these pressured situations.
“Itap addictive,” he said. “As great as it feels when you win and all the things that go into it, itap like the opposite when you don’t. Itap like misery — you can’t wait for the next weekend.”
If the Broncos want to have any shot at the postseason, they have to win the final three games, starting with their home matchup on Christmas Eve. At 7-7, Denver has a 22% chance of making the playoffs, according to the New York Times postseason simulator. Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.
Broncos defense confident it can get back to dictating play after bad night vs. Lions: “We have to in order to win these next three games”
Vance Joseph’s defense powered the Broncos’ surge back into contention.
The offense and special teams had its moments with timely touchdown drives or field-tilting returns, but wins followed once Denver’s defense transformed from one of the NFL’s worst groups into one of its best.
That run, of course, came to a screeching halt Saturday night in Detroit when the Lions ripped the Broncos for 42 points, 448 yards and 29 first downs.
Joseph’s group won’t see another offense with that kind of firepower over its final three weeks. But it also knows another dud will likely end the Broncos’ playoff hopes, especially considering its backed by an offense thatap been league average, Parker Gabriel reports. Read the full story.
Sean Payton preparing for Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s attempts to make Broncos “play left-handed”
For Broncos head coach Sean Payton, itap no secret that defenses led by New England coach Bill Belichick are good at eliminating an opponentap best offensive weapon.
Payton saw it first hand when he was coaching the New Orleans Saints in 2013. Tight end Jimmy Graham was arguably one of the best pass catchers in the league that year, finishing with 1,215 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. But against New England, Graham was shadowed by former cornerback Aqib Talib and ended up being a non-factor.
Sure, the Patriots are one of the worst teams in the league and the Broncos are 6.5-point favorites in Sunday nightap matchup. But Payton is not taking any chances against Belichick and his formidable defense, Ryan McFadden reports. Read the full story.
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