The Denver Broncos (7-7) are set to host the New England Patriots (3-11) on Christmas Eve in Week 16. Here’s our quick game preview.
Patriots’ keys to victory: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) might be able to return this week, which will give a boost to New England’s struggling offense. If Stevenson is held out 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 they win the turnover battle this season. On defense, Patriots HC 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 last three games, and he also lost a fumble last week. The veteran QB has to do a better job protecting the ball this week against an underrated New England defense that does not get enough credit because of the Pats’ poor record. Broncos RB Javonte Williams could have a slow day at the office against this front, so Wilson might be called on to win the game himself. Wilson has his faults, but he ranks ninth in NFL history with 31 fourth-quarter comeback wins. Wilson is still a clutch QB, 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 and he has hauled in 10 touchdown catches this season. This week, he could be matched up against Jackson, who has struggled since returning to New England. (Story update: The Patriots placed Jackson on the reserve/non-football illness list on Tuesday after this post was scheduled.)
Who wins? Playing at home with the playoffs still within reach, Denver will look to bounce back from last week’s ugly loss in Detroit. Broncos 22, Patriots 13.
This post originally appeared in Sports Weekly.
