The Patriots scored 20 points in the third quarter – including touchdowns on back-to-back plays – en route to a 26-23 victory over the Broncos on Sunday night in Denver.
The Patriots needed a 56-yard field goal from Chad Ryland, who has been inconsistent all season and missed two kicks on Sunday night, with 2 seconds left for the victory.
“It was just go out there and attack it the way I do all my kicks. I have my process, I have my routine, and I have a lot of faith in the guys around me,” Ryland said.
Ryland had missed a 47-yard attempt in the first half, and also missed a point-after kick in the third quarter before hitting the game-winner, the longest of his pro career. Ryland was 14-for-22 on field goal attempts this season prior to his final kick on Sunday.
It was New England’s fourth victory of the season, and the second this month. After losing five straight from Oct. 29 to Dec. 3, the Patriots (4-11) have victories over the Steelers and Broncos sandwiched around a loss to the Chiefs last week.
“Great mental toughness from the whole football team, Chad bounding back,” center David Andrews said.
The victory, coupled with the Cardinals’ loss on Sunday, shifted the Patriots into a tie for the third-worst record in the league with the Commanders (4-11). Based on the strength of schedule tiebreaker, the Patriots would have the fourth pick in April’s draft if the season ended today.
The loss was a serious blow to Denver’s playoff chances. Needing a victory to keep pace in the race for an AFC wild card playoff spot, the Broncos instead fell to 7-8 and in need of help over the final two weeks of the season to qualify for the postseason.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe hit 25 of 33 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Demario Douglas had five receptions for 74 yards and DeVante Parker had four catches for 65 yards.
Patriots defensive end Christian Barmore had three sacks, all in the third quarter.
The Broncos lost star receiver Courtland Sutton in the first half to a concussion. He was targeted once, then was ruled out after halftime.
Denver got on the board first after a 52-yard punt return set the Broncos up at the New England 25. Five plays later, Javonte Williams ran it in from 3 yards out to make it 7-0.
The Patriots cut it to 7-3 when they started moving the ball early in the second quarter. After a drive highlighted by a 28-yard reception by Jalen Reagor stalled at the Denver 14, rookie kicker Chad Ryland connected from 33 yards.
Ryland had a chance to cut Denver’s lead down to one before halftime, but he missed from 47 yards with 38 seconds left.
The Patriots took a 9-7 lead when Ezekiel Elliott caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Bailey Zappe with 9:48 to go in the third quarter. However, Ryland’s woes continued, this time with his first miss of a point-after this season.
The Patriots then made it 23-7 by scoring on consecutive plays late in the third quarter. After Mike Gesicki’s 11-yard touchdown catch capped a 52-yard, seven-play drive, the Patriots forced Marvin Mims to fumble on the ensuing kickoff and Cody Davis pounced on it in the end zone.
The Broncos found some offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter and tied it with a pair of touchdowns and two-point conversions.
The Patriots face the Bills in Week 17 on Dec. 31 at 1 p.m. in Buffalo before wrapping up the season Jan. 7 against the New York Jets in Foxborough.
“I don’t think anybody on the team is quitting, we’re going to keep fighting,” Andrews said.
Refresh this page | Submit your mailbag questions | Read more Patriots stories
Instant Analysis: What if the Patriots had a decent offense? — 12:14 a.m.
The Patriots are still in last place in the AFC despite Sunday’s win, with a 4-11 record that is their worst in 30 years. But think of where this team would be if the Patriots simply had a competent kicker and just an average offense.
They’d probably be knocking on the door of the playoffs instead of vying for the No. 1 draft pick.
Bailey Zappe was efficient, didn’t turn the ball over and moved the Patriots into field-goal range in the final minutes. Kicker Chad Ryland got his redemption with a game-winning, 56-yard field goal in the closing seconds. And the Patriots’ defense was dominant for most of the night. It was the fifth time in six games that the Patriots held their opponent under 300 yards. Since Week 10, the Patriots’ defense is No. 2 in points allowed (14.5 per game).
Read Ben Volin’s full column here.
Tara Sullivan: Belichick isn’t one to tank — 12:01 a.m.
The hot mike that caught Bill Belichick screaming at officials over spotting the ball Sunday night was a pretty good reminder of how much every single game means to the 71-year-old coach, just as the choice words that slipped out of his mouth when his rookie fourth-round kicker missed another field goal reflect Belichick’s demanding ways.
Or maybe your preference was the petulant slam of the challenge flag in the fourth quarter, another trademark move of the uber-competitive Patriots coach.
Tank?
Bill Belichick?
Not a chance. It’s not in his DNA.
Tanking teams don’t build a huge second-half lead, blow that big second half-lead, follow their backup quarterback into field goal territory as the clock ticks away, and watch their embattled kicker nail a 56-yarder for the win.
Broncos tie it up — 11:06 p.m.
Patriots 23, Broncos 23 | 2:53 4th quarter
Russell Wilson hit Brandon Johnson with a 21-yard touchdown pass and another pass to Javonte Williams for a two-point conversion tied the score at 23-23 with 2:53 left to play.
The Broncos drove 88 yards on 13 plays.
Broncos right back in it — 10:48 p.m.
Patriots 23, Broncos 15 | 8:33 4th quarter
Russell Wilson hit Lucas Krull with a 3-yard touchdown pass and the Broncos went for a two-point conversion that pulled them within one score.
The Broncos drove 83 yards on 10 plays. The key play was a 47-yard pass from Wilson to Marvin Mims that was reviewed – it appeared the ball touched the ground but Mims maintained possession throughout the reception as he fell to the ground – and the ruling was upheld.
Third-quarter analysis: Everything going the Patriot way — 10:30 p.m.
Three quarters are in the books here at Empower Field, and the Patriots lead 23-7.
• That was the most productive quarter of the season for the Patriots, who put 20 points on the board. They also got a great quarter on the defensive side of the ball, as Christian Barmore came away with three sacks in the quarter.
• The Patriots had their best offensive drive of the night at the start of the third quarter, a five-play, 70-yard drive that included 50 yards of receiving from Demario Douglas. The highlight of the series was an acrobatic 41-yard grab that got New England deep into Denver territory. A couple of plays later, Zeke Elliott hurdled a Denver defender on the way to the end zone, a 15-yard pass play that gave the Patriots their first lead of the night.
• However, special teams was again an issue, as kicker Chad Ryland missed the extra point, leaving it 9-7 with 9:48 left in the quarter. With each ensuing miss, the rookie kicker is entering dangerous territory — it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Patriots try and push the youngster by signing a practice squad kicker this week.
• On that drive, Douglas surpassed Deion Branch for the most catches by a rookie receiver in the Bill Belichick Era. (Branch had 43 in 2002.) In a sad season for the New England offense, Douglas continues to distinguish himself as a potential building block for the future.
• The Patriots followed that up with another nice sequence, one that was capped by a ball that was zipped from Zappe to Mike Gesicki deep in the end zone to make it 16-7 with 1:34 left in the quarter. That was followed by a thunderbolt of a turnover. Marvin Mims muffed the kick return, and the ball was recovered by Cody Davis at the one. Davis then popped into the end zone for the score.
Patriots tack on more points — 10:25 p.m.
Patriots 23, Broncos 7 | 1:28 3rd quarter
On the ensuing kickoff after Gesicki’s touchdown catch, the Patriots recovered a fumble by Marvin Mims and fell into the end zone for a back-to-back score. Marte Mapu foced the fumble, and Cody Davis pounced on it for the touchdown.
The 20 points in the third quarter represents a season-high for most points in a quarter for the Patriots.
Patriots add to their lead — 10:23 p.m.
Patriots 16, Broncos 7 | 1:34 3rd quarter
Tight end Mike Gesicki’s 11-yard touchdown catch has given the Patriots a two-score lead. Gesicki’s catch capped a 52-yard, seven-play drive that was highlighted by a 30-yard reception by DeVante Parker.
Christian Barmore is having a game — 10:19 p.m.
Patriots defensive lineman Christian Barmore has two sacks – including one to end the Broncos’ most recent drive in the third quarter – and has four tackles so far. Barmore has been one of the key factors of a strong Patriots defense that has certainly done its share this season.
Broncos’ Sutton out for rest of game — 10:05 p.m.
The Broncos now have ruled Courtland Sutton out with a concussion. Big loss for their sputtering offense.
Patriots take the lead — 10:00 p.m.
Patriots 9, Broncos 7 | 9:48 3rd quarter
Ezekiel Elliott caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Bailey Zappe with 9:48 to go in the third quarter, and the Patriots have pulled in front, 9-7. However, kicker Chad Ryland’s woes continue, this time with his first miss of a point-after this season.
On their first possession of the second half, the Patriots picked up 41 yards on a pass play from Zappe to Demario Douglas, then the two connected again for 13 yards before Zappe hit Elliott in the flat and Elliott ran it in from there.
• Chad Ryland is doing his best to make sure the Patriots end up with a top-two pick. – Finn
• The Broncos’ offense looks worse than the Patriots’, which is a testament to New England’s defense. – Yang
Halftime analysis — 9:37 p.m.
By Chris Price
One half is done at Empower Field, and the Patriots trail 7-3.
Stats: Bailey Zappe: 10-for-13, 92 yards; Zeke Elliott: 7 carries, 17 yards; 2 catches, 11 yards; Kevin Harris: 5 carries, 17 yards; Jalen Reagor: 1 catch, 28 yards; Russell Wilson: 10-for-12, 67 yards
• Given the fact that they’re without Rhamondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Cole Strange, I’m willing to grade the Patriots’ offense on a curve for its collective work in the first half. (Especially with a pieced-together offensive line that includes a collection of journeymen, youngsters, and David Andrews.) But there was very little worth mentioning about the Patriots’ offense over most of the first two quarters.
• New England’s best offensive drive of the first half came at the end of the second quarter when an impressive 20-yard catch from Pharaoh Brown got New England into Denver territory. On that same drive, there were a couple of catches from Pop Douglas, who ended the first half with three catches for 20 yards. (He needs one more to tie Deion Branch’s rookie record for most catches in a season under Bill Belichick.) The series ended with a miss from Chad Ryland from 47 yards out.
• Two worthwhile moments for the New England defense in the first half: one, there was an excellent fourth-down stop on the goal-line on Denver’s first possession. (I’m still not sure why Sean Payton felt the need to go for it there.) The Patriots couldn’t do anything with it, but keeping the Broncos off the scoreboard was a positive. And Jeremiah Pharms recovered a fumble (forced by Jahlani Tavai) with 11:27 left in the second quarter, stopping a Denver drive and giving the ball back to New England.
• It looked like Jalen Mills has pretty much stepped in for Jabrill Peppers. And while Courtland Sutton didn’t play a whole lot of snaps, when he was in there, he was followed mostly by Myles Bryant. And we have to keep mentioning the fact that Mack Wilson Sr. continues to play some of the best football of his New England career. He had a third-down sack in the second quarter that led to a punt.
• From a special teams perspective, there was some good. A 33-yarder from Ryland provided the first points of the game for the Patriots, making it 7-3 with 13:30 left in the half. But there was also some bad, including a miss from Ryland from 47 at the end of the first half. And Denver’s first touchdown came as the result of some sloppy punt coverage work late in the first quarter, which led to a 52-yard return from Marvin Mims Jr. Multiple missed tackles ended up helping Mims set the Broncos up with some good field position. Denver cashed in five plays later on a three-yard run from Javonte Williams to make it 7-0 with 5:15 left in the first quarter.
• No press box in the AFC rumbles consistently like the one in Denver. Even though it’s freezing here in Denver, this place is loud.
• The Broncos will get the ball to start the second half.
Ryland misses another field goal attempt — 9:32 p.m.
Rookie kicker Chad Ryland has missed yet another field goal, this time from 47 yards after the Patriots stalled at the Denver 29.
Ryland’s first pro season has been plagued by inconsistency. He is now 14 for 22.
The perfect Patriot — 9:29 p.m.
• Pharaoh Brown maintains his perfect catch rate, now with 11 receptions on 11 targets this season. He’s been more productive than free agent signing Mike Gesicki this year. – Yang
• After Pharoah Brown’s 20-yard reception at the 3:19 mark, he is now averaging 19.8 yards per catch this season. Pretty good for a blocking tight end. – Finn
• After teams finalized roster cuts at the end of the summer, Bill O’Brien saw that Indianapolis released Brown and told Bill Belichick the Patriots should sign him. They got great value (one year, $1.08 million). If O’Brien remains the offensive coordinator, it would not be surprising if Brown is back next year. – Yang
Broncos’ Sutton injured — 9:20 p.m.
The Broncos have announced receiver Courtland Sutton is being evaluated for a possible head injury. Sutton leads the team with 10 touchdowns, so he would be a big loss for their offense.
The Patriots defense is also dealing with two injuries – Jonathan Jones and Ja’Whaun Bentley – but no announcements yet from the team. Both players were limited in practice all week.
Patriots recover a fumble — 9:04 p.m.
The Patriots ended a series of Broncos advances by stripping the ball from Javonte Williams and recovering it at the Patriots’ 38. The Broncos had reeled off plays of 14, 12, and 11 yards before the turnover.
• Jahlani Tavai back on the stat sheet, this time with a forced fumble. He’s put together a nice season.
Also props to Jeremiah Pharms for wrestling the ball away from Broncos guard Ben Powers. On the replay shown on the jumbotron, it looked as through Powers got to the ball first and should have maintained possession.
The Patriots can’t capitalize on the turnover, though, going three-and-out. The lack of complementary football remains a problem. – Yang
• A three-and-out followed by a punt that pins the Broncos at their own 13 counts as a successful possession these days. – Finn
Chad Ryland makes a field goal — 8:54 p.m.
Broncos 7, Patriots 3 | 13:30 2nd quarter
Rookie kicker Chad Ryland was good from 33 yards to cap a 12-play, 61-yard drive and cut Denver’s lead to four. Ryland has had accuracy issues this season, but this one was true.
It was the best possession of the game so far for New England, highlighted by a 28-yard pass from Bailey Zappe to Jalen Reagor on second-and-20 from the New England 39.
• The Patriots finally string together a strong drive and get on the scoreboard with a 33-yard field goal by Chad Ryland. Bailey Zappe completed 5 of 6 his pass attempts, including a nice throw to Jalen Reagor for a 28-yard gain. Zappe’s one incompletion was too in front of an open Ezekiel Elliott, who had a lane to the end zone. – Yang
• That was just Ryland’s second field goal in the past four games. He hit a 25-yarder last week against the Chiefs. – Finn
First-quarter analysis: Denver getting great field position — 8:52 p.m.
One quarter is in the books here at Empower Field, and the Patriots trail Denver, 7-0.
• Special teams is again an issue for the Patriots. The Denver field position for all three of its drives started in New England territory, including the first scoring drive of the game for the Broncos, a sequence that made it 7-0 with 5:15 left in the first quarter. On that series, a 52-yard return from Marvin Mims, Jr. — a play where several Patriots’ special teamers had a chance to bring Mims down early in the return, including Brenden Schooler — set the Broncos up at the New England 25-yard line. Javonte Williams finished things off with a three-yard run for the touchdown.
• The Patriots had a starting offensive line of (left to right) Vederian Lowe, James Ferentz, David Andrews Sidy Sow, and Mike Onwenu.
• It was a wild start from both sides. Bailey Zappe was sacked and lost the handle on the first play, setting the Broncos up inside the New England red zone. But a near incomplete pass (Mack Wilson, Sr. nearly came away with a ball that ended up being ruled incomplete) and a fourth-down stop later, New England got the ball back at the two-yard line. It was a baffling decision by Sean Payton to go for the score there, honestly, given how these two teams match up.
• Even though there’s no snow, this is going to be a weather game. The cold has made ball security an issue. Maintaining possession is even more paramount, especially in a game where there will likely be very little margin for error.
• A few personnel observations on defense: one, Myles Bryant has got a lot of run at the start of the game against Courtland Sutton. And two, Jalen Mills has been playing a healthy amount of deep safety, working in tandem with Kyle Dugger. Neither situation is exclusive, but that’s the position groupings we’ve seen more often than not to start the game.
• On the other side of the ball, the Patriots have been loading up with multiple tight-end sets, leaning on Pharaoh Brown and Matt Sokol in running situations. And Trent Brown has rotated in at left tackle, relieving starter Vederian Lowe.
• The best and most consistent offensive presence for the Patriots through the first quarter was Ezekiel Elliott, who had 18 total yards from scrimmage (11 receiving, seven rushing). The best offensive play was a 28-yard pass from Zappe to Jalen Reagor that got the Patriots deep into Denver territory as the first quarter neared an end.
Broncos draw first blood — 8:42 p.m.
Broncos 7, Patriots 0 | 5:15 1st quarter
After a 52-yard punt return set the Broncos up at the New England 25, Denver got on the board first when Javonte Williams ran it in from 3 yards out.
• The latest chapter in New England’s awful special teams this year: Marvin Mims Jr. returns a punt 52 yards to give the Broncos possession at the Patriots’ 25-yard line. Not good. Coach Cameron Achord probably should not return next year, regardless of who is head coach. – Yang
Big play for Bryant — 8:35 p.m.
After going run heavy, the Broncos aired it out on third and 6, with Russell Wilson trying to hit Courtland Sutton on a deep pass inside New England’s 10-yard line. Props to Myles Bryant, who is seven inches shorter than Sutton and managed to break up the pass. Bryant catches a lot of flak from Patriots fans but drew praise from coach Bill Belichick this week. – Yang
• With Rhamondre Stevenson missing his third straight game, the Patriots are using more of a rotation at the running back position. Kevin Harris, now on the 53-man roster, took all snaps out of the backfield on New England’s second position. I wonder if he and Ezekiel Elliott will just alternate drives. – Yang
• Broncos have gone for it on fourth down in a goal-to-go situation and took a deep shot on third and 6 on another possession. Seems like they feel like they can take gambles on offense because, presumably, they don’t think the Patriots offense will make them pay. – Finn
Another three-and-out — 8:29 p.m.
And the Patriots go three-and-out on their second drive. In Bailey Zappe’s previous two starts, the offense found its rhythm in the first half before going cold in the second. Zappe’s two turnovers as a starter both occurred in the second half, so it will be interesting to watch how the early mistake affects offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s play-calling. – Yang
We’re off to a wild start — 8:23 p.m.
On New England’s first play, quarterback Bailey Zappe was drilled by D.J. Jones and fumbled, and Denver recovered on the Patriots’ 9-yard line.
Then, on third-and-goal from the New England 2, Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson appeared to turned the ball right back over, but Mack Wilson’s apparent interception was overturned on replay.
So naturally the Broncos went for it on fourth-and-goal, and Javonte Williams was stuffed short of the goal line.
So New England takes over at its own 1 with 13:18 to play.
What will happen next?
• New England’s offensive line, playing without left guard Cole Strange, left tackle Trent Brown, and swing tackle Conor McDermott, once again is struggling.
The first two drives of the game are pretty representative of the Patriots season: offense faltering while the defense keeps them in it. After the fumble, which gave the Broncos first and goal at the 6-yard line, New England’s defense keeps them out of the end zone and forces a turnover on downs. – Yang
• The atmosphere at Empower Field is awesome. There was a great pregame presentation, and now the press box is shaking from the crowd. – Yang
Broncos win coin toss — 8:15 p.m.
Denver wins the toss and will defer. (Without Matthew Slater out there, Ja’Whaun Bentley called it for the Patriots.) Patriots will get the ball to start the game.
• Actually intrigued by Tyquan Thornton, gunner. We know he can run in a straight line, fast. And he doesn’t have to worry about catching the ball. – Finn
Pregame observations — 7:58 p.m.
• Patriots offensive line in warmups: LT Vederian Lowe, LG James Ferentz, C David Andrews, RG Sidy Sow, RT Mike Onwenu.
Trent Brown has been stepping on occasion at left tackle.
• Pop Douglas, JaMycal Hasty, Jalen Reagor, and Myles Bryant out to work as returners in warmups.
• No Matthew Slater (inactive) on Sunday means Tyquan Thornton working as a gunner opposite Brenden Schooler on the punt coverage team.
How to watch — 7:52 p.m.
The Patriots are playing football on Sunday night, just not on the usual “Sunday Night Football.” As NBC is slated for its traditional Christmas Eve primetime airing of “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Sunday, the game will instead be broadcast on NFL Network.
In the Boston market, the game will be aired on local television on Ch. 5.
Nicole Yang’s players to watch and prediction — 7:45 p.m.
Patriots player to watch: Demario Douglas. The Patriots already ruled out tight end Hunter Henry, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, and running back Rhamondre Stevenson, so their offensive weapons will be more limited than usual. Douglas, now New England’s leading receiver, needs to have a productive role in the passing attack if the Patriots want a chance.
Broncos player to watch: I’ll go with Denver’s pass rush unit. The Patriots offensive line will be without left guard Cole Strange and swing tackle Conor McDermott, so Bailey Zappe will be in for a long day if the Broncos are able to generate pressure.
Prediction: Broncos 17, Patriots 13. The injuries are too much for the Patriots to overcome.
Tale of the tape — 7:28 p.m.
This game circulated on social media early in the season as a potential flex candidate between two bottom-dwelling teams, but the Broncos have pulled out of their spiral to win six of their last eight games while the Patriots have won just one of seven.
Here are some key stats to compare ahead of kickoff (NFL ranks in parentheses):
Points per game: Patriots 13.3 (32nd), Broncos 21.7 (15th)
Total offense per game: Patriots 186.9 (26th), Broncos 187.1 (25th)
Points allowed per game: Patriots 21.4 (16th), Broncos 25.1 (30th)
Total defense per game: Patriots 308.3 (8th), 382.4 (30th)
Turnover differential: Patriots minus-8 (30th), Broncos plus-5 (8th)
Chris Price’s players to watch and prediction — 7:10 p.m.
Patriots player to watch: Ezekiel Elliott. The Broncos have one of the worst run defenses in the league, and with Rhamondre Stevenson still sidelined, Elliott figures to have a sizable opportunity to impact the game. Elliott has never beaten Denver – if he has a big night Sunday, he could finally get in the win column against the Broncos.
Broncos player to watch: Courtland Sutton. Sutton is the best and most dynamic part of the Denver offense. Shutting down Sutton will go a long way toward a New England victory.
Prediction: Not sure if it’s holiday spirit or the Mile High air, but I’ll pick the Christmas Eve upset. New England, 17-13.
Inactives: Patriots without three key players — 6:59 p.m.
Patriots: SS Jabrill Peppers, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, QB Nathan Rourke, WR Matthew Slater, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, TE Hunter Henry, DE Sam Roberts.
Broncos: QB Ben Dinucci, S JL Skinner, LB Nik Bonitto, TE Nate Adkins, LB Thomas Incoom, C Alex Forsyth, DE Elijah Garcia.
Chris Price’s analysis: Three of New England’s most durable players are out: Jabrill Peppers (hamstring), tight end Hunter Henry (knee), and special teams captain Matthew Slater (hamstring).
Peppers has played in all 14 games, and played at least 90 percent of the defensive snaps in 12 of those games. In his place, veteran Jalen Mills and youngster Marte Mapu could see an increased workload at safety. Meanwhile, Henry will miss the first game in his New England career. The tight end, who has a team-high 42 catches, will be supplanted by Mike Gesicki, Pharaoh Brown, and the recently elevated Matt Sokol.
And then there’s Slater. The 38-year-old veteran, who could be entering the final month of an illustrious NFL career, has been on and off the injury report in recent weeks. Regardless, it’s a surprise to see his name among those who will not play this evening.
Two other veterans will also not play Sunday night in running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle). Stevenson has been out since going down early in a loss to the Chargers earlier this month, while Smith-Schuster will miss his second straight contest.
In place of Stevenson, look for Ezekiel Elliott to get plenty of reps against the occasionally leaky Denver run defense. Smith-Schuster’s absence will mean more chances for DeVante Parker, as well as youngsters Demario Douglas and Tyquan Thornton.
Rounding out the list is defensive lineman Sam Roberts (healthy scratch) and Nathan Rourke, who will be the emergency quarterback against the Broncos.
Care to wager? — 6:40 p.m.
The Patriots are sizable underdogs on the road with the Broncos holding a 7.5-point advantage with the bookmakers and the moneyline for the Patriots settling around +285. Vegas doesn’t expect a shootout in frigid conditions as the total hovers at over/under 36.5.
What do you think will happen? Vote now in Chris Price’s poll on X.
Last time they played — 6:25 p.m.
The Patriots and Broncos haven’t met since 2020, when Denver took an 18-12 rockfight at Gillette Stadium. It wasn’t exactly a quarterback duel between Cam Newton (157 yards passing, two interceptions) and Drew Lock (189 yards, two interceptions), with Newton punching in the only touchdown from 1 yard out in the fourth quarter.
Broncos kicker Brandon McManus handled all of Denver’s scoring with six field goals.
It was a far cry from the mid-2010s showdowns between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, which included two AFC title games and the last meeting between the two in the 2015 AFC Championship.
The Broncos lead the series, 31-23, with a 4-1 mark against New England in the playoffs.
Chad Finn’s players to watch and prediction — 6:10 p.m.
Patriots player to watch: Attrition, a lack of overall consistency, and an underwhelming depth chart have made it increasingly challenging to pick a player to watch from the Patriots offense as the season has progressed. So let’s go with someone from the defense – Christian Barmore. Over the last eight games, starting with the win over the Bills on Oct. 22, he has 4.5 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, and 10 quarterback hits. That’s a Richard Seymour-caliber stat line right there.
Broncos player to watch: Based on Bill Belichick and the Patriots’ defensive coaches’ knack for taking away an opponent’s best offensive weapon, Courtland Sutton could be in for a long day. He’s the Broncos’ best receiver, but with the Patriots focused on him, that could open up an opportunity for enigmatic Jerry Jeudy – who has had more than 82 yards receiving in a game all season – to have one of his best games of the year.
Prediction: Play well enough, lose, maintain top-two draft position, rinse, repeat. This is the way. Broncos 18, Patriots 13.
Which Patriots can they build around? — 6:00 p.m.
As the end of the Patriots season nears, the focus on the future intensifies.
Significant changes seem inevitable for the three-win team, with uncertainty surrounding the head coach, quarterback, and other critical positions. Regardless of who is in charge and under center next year, a number of players on the 2023 roster have shown they’re worth building around.
Who could play foundational roles in getting the organization back on track?
Read Nicole Yang’s full State of the Patriots here.
Weather forecast in Denver — 5:45 p.m.
The Patriots’ equipment staff better have brought the cold-weather gear. Temperatures in Denver are expected to be in the 20s tonight with the wind chill making conditions on the field feel as cold as 19 degrees by kickoff. It will be a cloudy night in Colorado but there is no precipitation in the forecast.
Chad Finn’s preview — 5:30 p.m.
The Patriots are eight games below .500 with three to play. They are one of six teams to be eliminated from playoff contention, having achieved that lowly designation in Week 14.
This game has meaning to coach Sean Payton and the Broncos, who are 7-7 and in the thick of the wild-card hunt after an 0-3 start that included a 70-20 pasting by the Dolphins in Week 3.
But the Patriots? The mantra long ago, at least for fans already anticipating the talent to be available at the top of the 2024 NFL Draft, turned from “Do Your Job” to “Play Well and With Pride, But Lose, Please.”
Read Chad Finn’s full Unconventional Preview here.
