Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots: 1st Quarter Open Thread

DENVER BRONCOS VS. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Early on in the day the Kansas City Chiefs last in a shootout to the San Diego Chargers 41-38. It means this week is just another game, a little bit less important than had the Chiefs won and kept the pressure on. Regardless, if the Broncos were to pick up a big win here against a conference foe on the road, they would be in the AFC's driver seat for post-season seeding.

Tonight also marks the 14th meeting between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, you know since this is a game of one on one flag in the back yard. Statistician Scott Kacsmar released a great pre-game read talking about the dynamics of the rivalry and the kinds of games that have ensued. Here is an excerpt from that article:

For those counting at home, we have Manning with inferior coaching, less help from his running game and he has to drive longer fields, often on the road, against superior defenses. So the 4-9 record proves what exactly? Oh yeah, the Patriots have a better team and coach.

Manning has averaged at least 39.6 yards per drive in seven of his last eight games against Belichick's defense. That's good enough to lead the league most seasons, so that's a great number. But in the last two games in Foxboro, his offense threw away too many drives. Manning threw 3 interceptions in 2010. Last season with Denver, Demaryius Thomas and Willis McGahee fumbled in the red zone, Manning fumbled to put Brady in the red zone and McGahee dropped a 4th-and-1 pass. When you get the ball 10 times in a game, you can't piss away four drives like that and expect to win. It's the only game in Manning's Denver career where he could not get any closer than within 10 points in the 4th quarter. His Broncos are 22-5 despite a -5 turnover differential.

My Prediction? Broncos 31 Patriots 16

GO BRONCOS!!!

Gameday Inactives: Broncos/Patriots Link

Where to Watch: Don't miss the game! Here is a list of where to catch the game today.

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