Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos: Power ranking team’s top rivalries

By Travis Wakeman

OAKLAND - OCTOBER 19: John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos scrambles during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders played on October 19, 1997 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Greg Biekert #54 of Oakland pursues. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
OAKLAND - OCTOBER 19: John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos scrambles during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders played on October 19, 1997 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. Greg Biekert #54 of Oakland pursues. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Denver Broncos, New England Patriots
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 29: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is sacked by defensive end Vance Walker #96 of the Denver Broncos and hit by outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 29, 2015, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

No. 3: New England Patriots

All-time series: Broncos lead 30-23

Before the era in New England with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick began, this rivalry would not have made the list. But because of all of the postseason clashes between these teams once Brady and Belichick came around, it’s a must.

There is no doubt that with those two men, the Patriots put together the most successful dynasty in the history of the NFL. But if you were to poll Brady and Belichick and ask them who was one of the teams that gave them the most trouble, Denver would be high on that list.

Of course, in 2005, the Broncos handed that combo their first postseason defeat in a thrilling 27-13 win in the divisional round.

When the Broncos made runs to Super Bowls 48 and 50, they had to go through the Patriots each time in the AFC Championship Game. Defeating Brady and Belichick to reach the Super Bowl was a great feeling for all Broncos fans.

There was the snow game when C.J. Anderson had a walk-off touchdown run in overtime. Sadly, there was also the divisional playoff game where the Patriots had Tim Tebow completely figured out and brought his magical run in 2011 to an end.

But if you’re ever in the mood for seeing the Patriots do badly before those guys came along, you can never go wrong with this clip of Shannon Sharpe (video).

Not that one half of that duo is gone (Brady), it’s quite likely that this rivalry will simmer down. But the matchups between the two teams in the past make it one that must be on the list.

Home/Broncos All-Time Lists