The New England Patriots host the Denver Broncos, Saturday Jan 14th, for an AFC Divisional Round Playoff matchup. The Patriots beat the Broncos three weeks ago in Denver, 41-23. NFL oddsmakers have the Patriots as huge -13.5 point home favorites over the Broncos with the over/under set at 50.5 points. Be sure to get the latest Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots Spreads before making your 2012 NFL Playoff Picks.
Denver (9-8, 5-3 V) defeated the stunned Steelers 29-23 (OT), at home, in the AFC wild-card playoff game Sunday. QB Tim Tebow connected with Demaryius Thomas on an electrifying 80-yard touchdown pass on the first play of overtime. The play took 11 seconds and was the quickest ending to an overtime in NFL history. Tebow completed 10 of 21 passes for 316 yards with two touchdowns and also ran 10 times for 50 yards and one touchdown. WR Demaryius Thomas hauled in four catches for 204 yards with a touchdown.
Stopping the Patriots offense will be a much tougher task than stopping the Steelers, who were pretty banged up. The last matchup between these two teams was pretty close in the first half, with Denver actually leading for a decent portion of the first couple quarters, but some turnovers and sacks on Tebow turned the tide of the game and the Patriots offense didn’t skip a beat in putting a solid beating on Denver. This time has the potential to be different, especially with Tebow’s recent success in the passing game and if the Broncos continue to play solid defense.
New England (13-3, 7-1 H) sat out with a first round bye after winning eight straight to close out the regular season. The Patriots, led by Tom Brady boast one of the best passing and overall offenses in the NFL, but the defense, namely the secondary, has been susceptible to the big play. Denver isn’t exactly a big play type offense, but during last week’s AFC wildcard matchup, they took advantage of some Steelers aggressiveness towards stopping the run and Tebow was able to have one of his best passing games of the year – when his team needed it the most.
Everybody made the mistake of counting the Broncos out last week, but the Patriots, with a week off to get healthy and perhaps some extra time to prepare for the Broncos unique offense will produce a similar result to their regular season matchup. We think that the Patriots offense will be able to overcome any defensive shortcomings and outscore the Broncos handily. Against the Broncos three weeks ago, Tom Brady threw for 320 yards and two TDs, and tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski combined for 13 catches and 182 yards.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 meetings in New England.
Under is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings in New England.
Under is 3-1-1 in the last 5 meetings.
Broncos are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog.
Broncos are 9-1 ATS in their last 10 Saturday games.
Broncos are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.
Broncos are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games.
Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Patriots are 3-14 ATS in their last 17 games as a home favorite of 10.5 or greater.
Patriots are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 Saturday games.
Patriots are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 playoff games.
Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite.
Patriots are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 playoff home games.
Patriots are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 vs. AFC.
Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots
When: Saturday, Jan 14th, 2011 8:00 PM EST
Pick: Patriots -13.5
Point-Spreads recommends you check the Broncos vs Patriots Spreads before the game kicks-off.
The Bottom Line: The Pats at home are solid gold, but you never know what you’re going to get with the Broncos and Tebow. But, the Broncos might be able to cover if they get SOLID defense. NFL Point Spreads Expert Tyler Morgan went 4-0 ATS in the Wild Card weekend, winning on underdogs Steelers vs Broncos to bring his NFL Predictions record to 73-39-4 for the season. Morgan, whose 2011 NFL Picks are hitting at 65% against the spread. Tyler’s moves have put thousands of dollars into his clients hands week after week. The good news for NFL Football bettors is – TYLER MORGAN’S PICKS ARE FREE – unlike most self proclaimed experts who charge big bucks to subscribers. Put a few Morgan Silver Dollars in your bank account by getting Tyler’s winning plays for FREE. Feel free to sign up to get NFL Picks Free!
