Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots Preview

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Defensive end Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos is introduced to the crowd before a game against the New York Giants at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 15: Defensive end Derek Wolfe #95 of the Denver Broncos is introduced to the crowd before a game against the New York Giants at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 15, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos return after almost a month away from home. However, the defending Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots await them.

It feels as if it has been years since the Denver Broncos last played in Colorado. But perhaps it was for the best that the team was not playing during this time. The Broncos are on a four game losing streak. They have not won a game since October 1st. It is time to turn things around.

However, the first game back home will be no easy task. The New England Patriots come to town. This will be the tenth time that these two teams have faced off in the last six years. So far they have faced off in six regular season meetings and three playoff meetings.

This could also be the last time the Broncos and Patriots could see each other for a while in the regular season. During the 2018 and 2019 seasons, the Broncos will only see them if they both finish in the same position in their divisions.

With that, the two teams may not see each other until 2020 at the latest. So Broncos Country is hoping to steal at least one more win against their fiercest rivals outside the AFC West.

Brock Osweiler will get the start again. The last time he started a game for Denver against New England was a classic. If the Denver Broncos are going to get their season on track, it starts on Sunday Night. Let us take a look at the tale of the tape at a glance.

Injury Report

Key Matchups

Tom Brady vs. Broncos Secondary

Brock Osweiler vs. Patriots Secondary

Patriots Offense vs. Broncos Defense

What to Watch For

Can the Broncos Offense Take Advantage of a Bad Defense?

The Patriots defense is not what it used to be. However, they bend but don’t break. What I mean is that they allow a lot of yards to offenses. However, they are right in the middle of all the 32 teams in points allowed.

If the Broncos are going to take advantage, they need to run the football and make sure they don’t turn the ball over. Easier said than done however.

Will the Broncos Defense Rebound?

I was at the Broncos vs. Eagles game last week and that was the worst I have seen a Broncos defense perform. Allowing 51 points was abysmal. I could not even put into words how disappointing that was.

Will we see the Broncos defense bounce back? They will need to. Force Brady into making mistakes and taking advantage of them. That will be a big deciding factor in the game.

Prediction

This is going to be a tough one to predict. The Broncos SHOULD be the desperate team here. After this game, the Broncos only have one more team currently with a winning record. Get a win against the Patriots and perhaps they can go on a run.

First focus will be on the Patriots. I still have faith in this team. If the offense is to have their best game of the season since Week Two against the Cowboys, this is the game to do it.

I think that happens against a weak Patriots defense. And the Broncos defense will help along the way and force at least one turnover.

Broncos 27 Patriots 24 F/OT

Next: Veteran's Day: Ex-Broncos to Serve in the Military

Game Information

Who: Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots

When: Sunday November 12th, 2017

Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High

Time: 8:30 PM EST/6:30 PM MST

TV Station: NBC

Announcers: Al Michaels, Chris Collinsworth, Michelle Tafoya

Schedule