New England at Denver
Time: 3:00 PM (ET)
Network: CBS
UPDATE: Broncos win 26-16
Before the season started, some of us predicted this AFC championship game even with Tom Brady being hindered by limited offensive core throughout the year. Along with Peyton Manning, these are the two best quarterbacks in the entire NFL, so one more championship showdown is something fans are going to have to see today. Our only beef with this game is that it’s not the closer, and they put the inferior rivalry as the prime-time match-up.
In their last meeting during November, the New England Patriots pulled away with an OT victory over the Denver Broncos on a field goal victory. Tom Brady erased a 24-point deficit and rallied New England to their biggest home victory of the year. We’re sure Peyton Manning hasn’t slept since the game and will be looking to avenge his defeat today in which he essentially lost Denver the game throwing a late interception. Today’s AFC Championship game comes down to two things: Tom Brady vs. the Broncos defense and Peyton Manning vs. Bill Belichick.
We’re expecting the Broncos to pull out with a victory in close fashion, as their defense will be superior to stop New England’s run game that’s been very good in recent weeks; but also Peyton Manning having more weapons with Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Wes Welker (looking to defeat his former team). Tom Brady and Peyton have previously played each other 3 times in the AFC playoffs, with the winner going onto to winning the Super Bowl.
Whether that happens or not remains to be seen, but it wouldn’t be surprising on our end if an eventual outcome were to happen.