The Patriots have more trouble against the Broncos, especially playing in Denver, than they do against any other defense. The Patriots have played three times in Denver during the past two seasons and been held to an average of 19.3 points.

The Broncos rank in the top-five defensively in fewest yards per game, run defense and pass defense. The prideful Broncos were embarrassed, 51-23, by the Eagles in Philadelphia this past Sunday. That was their third straight road game. Despite that lopsided loss, the Broncos defense still may have the most talent and savvy of any defense in the league. They'll be out to redeem themselves against this hated conference rival.

The Patriots are likely to be down one of their better wide receivers with Chris Hogan nursing a shoulder injury. Remember the Patriots are missing Julian Edelman, too. The Patriots' offense has been going downhill averaging 21.8 points a game during their last four games after averaging 32.5 points in their first four games.

The flip side is the Patriots' defense is much improved. Since Bill Belichick simplified defensive roles, the Patriots have given up just 12.7 points per game during their last four games. Belichick shouldn't have to game plan too hard facing Brock Osweiler, who has 22 turnovers in 17 starts, but he's had extra prep time anyways with the Patriots being idle last week.

Poor quarterbacking is killing the Broncos. If not for two touchdowns in garbage time against the Eagles, one of which was scored by the defense, the Broncos would have scored fewer than 20 points for the sixth consecutive time.