Denver Broncos: Key matchups vs. the New England Patriots

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 01: Jerry Jeudy #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 01, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 01: Jerry Jeudy #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 01, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, Jerry Jeudy
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 01: Jerry Jeudy #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 01, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

What are the key matchups between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots?

Since week one, I have taken a look at two critical individual matchups the Denver Broncos needed to win to come out of each game with a victory. Last week the Broncos came up with a win on Thursday night.

My two key matchups from last week showed out. Bradley Chubb balled out with his best game of the year, and Brett Rypien made enough plays against the blitz to get the Broncos in the win column.

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1313176772012199936

Throughout the season, I’ll continue to break down two key individual matchups each week that are critical to a Broncos win.

This week, the Denver Broncos face off with the New England Patriots on the road. The Patriots are coming off a loss to the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots are being hit by COVID-19, impacting their roster on both sides of the ball.

Quarterback Cam Newton has a Comeback Player of the Year start to the season, but missed last week’s contest after testing positive for COVID-19, and is doubtful for the game against the Broncos this week.

On defense, reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Stephon Gilmore tested positive for COVID-19 after the team’s matchup with the Cheifs. He will miss Sunday’s game, so the Broncos will not have to deal with the Patriots’ true lockdown corner.

The Broncos are still suffering injuries to A.J. Bouye and Drew Lock. Bouye is most likely not going to play Sunday, but Drew Lock has a chance to play.

A winning streak starts with one game that you should win and then needs a victory against a team that everyone thinks you will lose to.

If the Broncos win, there is a real possibility the team can get back to .500 before playing the Chiefs at home in week 7.

So, what players will help catapult the team to a victory in Foxborough?

This week, I look at who must win their matchups to ensure the Broncos win against the Patriots this week.