• KICKOFF: 7 this evening throughout Foxborough, Mass.
• TV/RADIO: CBS (Chs. 5, 13); WHB (810 AM)
• THE LINE: Patriots simply by 131/2
• KEY INJURIES: Denver: OUT — LS Lonnie Paxton (personal reasons); DOUBTFUL— S Brian Dawkins (neck), WR Eric Decker (knee); PROBABLE — DE Elvis Dumervil (ankle), LB Von Miller (thumb), TE Daniel Fells (ankle). New England: QUESTIONABLE — CB Kyle Arrington (foot), S Patrick Chung (foot), G Dan Connolly (groin), WR Julian Edelman (back), T Matt Light (ankle), G Logan Mankins (knee), CB Devin McCourtney (shoulder), LB Rob Ninkoich (hip), WR Wes Welker (knee). PROBABLE: QB Tom Brady (shoulder).
Scouting report
Passing
EDGE >>PATRIOTS Only the Saints’ Drew Brees flushed for additional yards in comparison with the actual Patriots’ Tom Brady, who threw regarding 5,235 meters with 39 TDs plus 12 interceptions. Denver’s Tim Tebow listened to be able to GM John Elway as well as pulled that trigger against Pittsburgh, and although your dog accomplished simply just 10 passes, that they journeyed for any massive 31.6-yard average.
Rushing
EDGE >>BRONCOS The Broncos led the actual NFL with hastening from 161.1 yards for every game, but RB Willis McGahee obtained simply just 61 back yards around 19 makes an attempt against Pittsburgh and also experienced a really expensive fumble. Tebow is also a managing threat, and this individual went 12 periods to get 93 yards your Patriots’ 41-23 win over Denver on Dec. 18. The Patriots position 20th in rushing, largely because their own moving past episode is actually so effective. The Patriots’ BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushed for 667 yards as well as averaged only 3.7 yards per carry.
Defense
EDGE >>BRONCOS The Patriots position an uncharacteristic 31st in both overall defense as well as complete defense, but nearly all these back yards tend to be because Patriots score therefore rapidly and squads are having to come out of behind. The Broncos standing merely 20th on defense, while linebackers Von Miller (111/2 sacks) and also Elvis Dumervil (91/2) is a handful.
Intangibles
EDGE >>PATRIOTS There’s certainly Tebow along with the Broncos have experienced extraordinary karma, however the Patriots have lots that can be played for, too. New England has not won a new playoff sport considering that 2007 AFC shining game and also has dropped its very last three, which include home games in order to Baltimore and also the New York Jets from the very last two years. Belichick along with Brady include considerably excessive pride to shed at your home today.
Face to be able to face
Broncos CB Chris Harris vs. Patriots WR Wes Welker
Harris, a great undrafted out of law school from Kansas, offers happen to be one of the greatest surprises intended for Denver roster that season, showing your spirited plus aggressive approach around man-to-man coverage within the Broncos’ nickel as well as dime packages. He’ll rise towards Welker, the NFL’s chief within receptions. In the teams’ regular-season meeting, Harris inhibited Welker on just about every take and tested out to limit his road options. But Welker is informed it is sure to create a number of adjustments.
Why this Broncos will probably win
They’ll adhere to the identical structure while they have continue week. Keep this close, engage in excellent defense, don’t switch your ball about and anticipation to be generally there in the end. The Broncos will be 4-0 throughout OT.
Why that Patriots will probably win
The Patriots won’t fall patient on the Tebow hype, just because they didn’t whenever New England snapped Denver’s six-game receiving talent in December and won’t become starstruck with the significant stage.
Randy Covitz’s pick: Patriots 28-16
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