Patriots-Broncos Week 12 Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots look to remain unbeaten Sunday night, but face one of their biggest challenges of the season in the Denver Broncos.
This edition will not feature the Peyton Manning vs. Bill Belichick storyline that we've all loved to watch over the years, with Brock Osweiler making just his second career start under center for Denver in place of the injured Manning. But while there may be a little uncertainty on offense for the Broncos, they'll be sending one of the best defenses in the league at Brady and Company.
It's a matchup that pits strength vs. strength: New England's high-powered (but hurting) offense against Denver's other-worldly defense. It's the game of the week, and could very well be the game of the season.
VIEW: Patriots-Broncos Matchup Breakdown
Check out the predictions for Sunday night from the WBZ-TV, WBZ NewsRadio and 98.5 The Sports Hub sports teams:
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV Sports
We all know the Patriots are beaten up, but they are also fired up to keep their unbeaten season going.
Sunday night in Denver won't be easy, and expect somewhat of a low-scoring game in the Mile High city. It will be strange to see Peyton Manning watching from the sidelines.
Patriots 21, Broncos 17
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
After they struggled against the Bills, the Broncos defensive front may pose an even bigger challenge to Tom Brady and Josh McDaniels.
READ: Week 12 Local Picks
The Patriots defense will have an interesting task in going against Brock Osweiler, making just his second NFL start. If they can stop the Denver run game, the Patriots will have a chance to improve to 11-0.
Patriots 17, Broncos 14
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
Honestly, there is no reason for me to pick the Pats to win this game. They are beat up and they don't need the victory to secure the No. 1 seed. I actually told friends at the beginning of the week that I expected the Pats to lose this one.
Since then, I have changed my mind. I'm going to take Bill Belichick against Denver's young quarterback, Brock Osweiler, and it's worth noting that Tom Brady is 4-1 against a Wade Phillips-coached defense. The Pats' streak will continue Sunday night.
Patriots 24, Broncos 14
Adam Kaufman, WBZ NewsRadio 1030/98.5 The Sports Hub
This game will be the toughest challenge of the year to date for the Patriots and their depleted offense against the NFL's top-scoring defense. Danny Amendola may not play and, even if he does, probably won't be quite as dynamic as he was before suffering a knee injury to the Bills. On the whole, between the short turnaround from Monday's win, the holiday week, the travel, etc., most everyone on the Pats' side will likely feel less than their normal game-day readiness. You'll hear it a million times; this one will come down to mental toughness and - say a prayer - protecting Tom Brady after the QB was hit 10 times on 40 dropbacks by the Bills. Now Brady and his offensive line will be dealing with the league's top pass-rushing bunch (34 sacks) and an elite secondary on the back-end.
Add to that, Brady's 2-5 in his career at Mile High.
But, on the plus-side, first-year signal-callers don't often enjoy much success against Bill Belichick and Brock Osweiler doesn't expect to be an exception. Then there's Belichick and Co's familiarity with Gary Kubiak, Wade Phillips and their rarely evolving systems. It'll be a nail-biter, but the Pats will prevail.
Patriots 20, Broncos 14
Mike "Sarge" Riley, WBZ News Radio 1030/98.5 The Sports Hub
I should really be feeling good about the Patriots being 10-0, but I just don't. The injuries have put a damper on my sentiments.
But, Tom Brady is healthy, and so is Rob Gronkowski - so I am thankful for that this Thanksgiving.
Brady has a 2-5 career record at Mile High, and this is a short week, but I am still going with the Patriots.
Belichick will be in Brock Osweiller's head and this isn't the same Sunday Night matchup we anticipated a few weeks ago when the Broncos were undefeated and also had Peyton Manning.
Patriots 23, Broncos 14
Rob "Hardy" Poole, 98.5 The Sports Hub
I have some weird ideas in my head about things to do in Denver when you're dead.
Patriots 4, Broncos 3
Tune in to Patriots-Broncos on 98.5 The Sports Hub — the flagship station of the New England Patriots. Pregame coverage begins at 5:30pm, with three hours of postgame coverage following the game. WBZ-TV kicks off their coverage at 11:30am on Sunday with Patriots GameDay, and following the game catch Bill Belichick and Tom Brady's postgame press conferences on Patriots 5th Quarter!