Patriots (3-11) at Broncos (7-7)
Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver TV: NFL Network
Spread (BetMGM):
Broncos by 6.5
Patriots’ keys to victory: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) might be able to return, which would give a boost to New England’s struggling offense. If Stevenson is held out for another game, the Patriots can continue to lean on capable backup RB Ezekiel Elliott against Denver’s leaky run defense. New England QB Bailey Zappe has to protect the ball against the Broncos’ ball-hawk defensive backs. Denver is 7-1 when it wins the turnover battle. On defense, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will look to take away sideline throws and deep shots, forcing the Broncos to beat them in the middle of the field, a weakness for QB Russell Wilson.
Broncos’ keys to victory: After going five games without an interception during Denver’s impressive winning streak, Wilson has since thrown four interceptions in the team’s past three games, and he lost a fumble last week. The veteran QB has to do a better job protecting the ball against an underrated New England defense. Broncos RB Javonte Williams could have a slow day, so Wilson might be called on to win the game himself. Wilson is still clutch, and Denver can count on him to get the job done if the game is close at the end.
Matchup to watch: Broncos WR Courtland Sutton vs. Patriots CB J.C. Jackson. Sutton is Wilson’s favorite target. He could be matched up against Jackson, who has struggled since returning to New England in an October trade.
Who wins? Denver is playing at home with the playoffs still within reach and is looking to bounce back from an ugly loss.
Broncos, 22-13
Jon Heath, Broncos Wire