Patriots vs Broncos: Staff writer predictions

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks to the sideline during the fourth quarter in a AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

For the upcoming Patriots vs Broncos NFL Playoff game, the staff writing team of The Jet Press weighed in their thoughts.

Even though the NY Jets are out of the NFL Playoffs, we here at The Jet Press are just as excited as many football fans are for the postseason. With teams heading into the Conference Championship weekend, this promises to be an incredible showdown between some of the top teams of the NFL.

The Patriots head to Denver and history isn’t on their side. Quarterback Tom Brady is 2-6 all-time when facing the Broncos in Sports Authority Field. The Broncos still have one of the top defenses in the NFL and will surely bring the pressure knowing it’s one of their strengths.

Here are some predictions by the staff writing team of The Jet Press for what should be an epic showdown between the Patriots and Broncos.

Next: Manning delivers brilliantly

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts as he calls a play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Manning delivers brilliantly Luis Tirado Jr.: Twitter – Facebook – Google+

This is it. Brady vs Peyton Manning in an epic showdown between two teams that want another ticket to the Super Bowl. Manning is heading into his final moments as an effective starting quarterback as one better believe, he’s going to put everything on the line against his nemesis to put them away once and for all.

The Broncos might not be playing compete football but their defense will rise to the occasion and deliver. I anticipate the Broncos will commit to their potent ground game and put Manning in a position to succeed without putting all the pressure on him.

Broncos win in a nail biter, 28-24.

Next: Will come down to the final drive

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks on from the field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Will come down to the final drive Jason Rodriguez: Twitter

Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will move on to defend their title. The Patriots vs Broncos match-up is the rematch everyone is looking forward to seeing this weekend in the AFC. The Patriots will look to get their revenge from the loss they suffered earlier in the year when Denver beat them in overtime. Also, it continues the annual match-up of Brady and Manning.

Brady leads the series 11-5 but it has been an even match the last 10 times they have played one another. Both teams are good on both sides of the ball. With Brady having everyone back in the lineup, it makes the Patriots lethal and dangerous. It will be a good test for the Patriots because they will be facing one of the best defenses in the league. The Broncos are a physical defense that don’t give up the play and will put a lot of pressure on the quarterback. They were very disruptive last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Broncos will need Manning to play much better because he was very shaky last week against the Steelers’ defense. The throws he was making were some that you have never seen him make in a long time. If he makes the same throws like he did last week, then the Patriots’ secondary will be having a field day in getting interceptions.

The Patriots will need to apply a lot of pressure on Manning and not let him sit in the pocket. Emmanuel Sanders and Demarius Thomas will need to have a big game for the Broncos. It will come down to who makes the first key mistake between both teams. Every time Brady and Manning play one another, it is always exciting because you get to watch two great quarterbacks go to work . It will come down to a last minute drive or it will be a seven point game. As fans, we have to enjoy these times because we don’t how much longer these players will be playing the game we love.

Next: Broncos will leave victorious

Broncos will leave victorious Danielle McCartan: Twitter – Facebook

Manning vs. Brady XVII, the real Super Bowl! Some key things to know:

1. Peyton Manning is tied with Brett Favre for most career wins in NFL history. Tom Brady? Third.

2. Brady is 2-6 in games played in Denver.

3. In AFC championship games, Manning is 2-1 versus Brady.

4. The Patriots have not won a road playoff game since 2007.

When I spoke to Darrelle Revis before the Jets faceoff with the Patriots, he told me that the defensive key to that game is to slow Brady’s offense down. As Jets fans, we also know that consistent pressure on Tom Brady and smothering coverage on his first read is his Achilles’ Heel.

With the #1 defense in the NFL (giving up 18.5 points/game and 283.1 yards/game) the Broncos could play the role to which Revis alluded. Though the quarterbacks often steal the spotlight, the running game is equally important. The key to the AFC championship game will be the ground game and the yards-after-catch game.

C.J. Anderson completely wore down the Steelers’ defense last week. Towards the end of the game, he began to break larger, more devastating runs as fatigue set in. Let us not forget that the last time these two teams squared off in Week 12, it ended on a 48-yard touchdown run by Anderson. I love the fact that the Broncos’ defense exposed Brady and his team’s whining to, debating with, and intimidation of the officiating crew after every miscue and bad play.

I have felt that way for quite some time. Putting that fact under the nation’s microscope will level the playing field. Because of their comment, expect the officiating crew to be completely unbiased this week. Las Vegas has the New England Patriots as three point favorites, but I think Broncos Country football will not let their fearless leader Peyton Manning go out like this. Albeit an extremely tight game, I am going against the odds and picking the Broncos to punch the AFC’s ticket to Super Bowl 50.

Next: Broncos win a close one

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib (21) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant (10) during the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos win a close one Christopher Stephano: Twitter

First on the slate of conference championship games features a rematch between the two premier AFC powerhouses – the Patriots and Broncos.

At first glance, the major story line is yet another rematch between future Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. The two legendary quarterbacks will meet for their 17th time this Sunday.

Given Manning’s recent decline (9 TD, 17 INT in 2015), the real match-up to watch is Brady and the Patriots’ unstoppable offense (3rd in scoring) versus the Broncos’ suffocating defense (4th in points allowed).

Last time these two teams met, the game was extraordinarily close (26-20 Broncos win in overtime). Expect another close, well-fought game from start to finish. If Manning can play a methodical, turnover-free game, the Broncos defense should be able to take care of the rest.

Broncos: 28 Patriots: 24

Next: Patriots will take care of business

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws the ball for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots will take care of business Todd Gerstenhaber: Twitter

A common theme that I have heard when talking to football fans about going up against Patriots is that they feel in order to be successful against their offense you must be able to hit Tom Brady, and hit him often. Sounds simple enough, right?

In the regular season, ole Tommy was hit sacked 38 times, good for 9th most sacks taken in the league. Against the Chiefs, Tom was sacked a grand total of zero times, which obviously didn’t cut it for their top-notch defense.

In the Jets-Patriots match-up in Week 16 that us Jets fans will not soon forget, Tom was hit hard and hit often. However, the top two teams in the league in sacks are meeting up against each other in this game.

With that in mind, this could get ugly for either team, as they are both middle of the road (13th and 14th) in sacks allowed. Peyton Manning’s physical ability to be an NFL quarterback could be questioned at this moment, and with New England’s defense constantly underrated, it pains me to say that I expect Tom and crew to not have a ton of trouble in this game (I honestly hope I am wrong)

Score: Patriots 31, Broncos 21

Next: Broncos' defense will create havoc

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) and nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) and defensive end Malik Jackson (97) during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos’ defense will create havoc Paul Esden Jr.: Twitter – Facebook

It’s an unbelievable statistic, five straight AFC Championship appearances for the New England Patriots and 10 appearances out of the last 15 years is an incredible number. The Patriots are good, despite the hate and the controversy, they always find a way to get to the end.

While the Denver Broncos are on a bit of an improbable run shifting from Brock Osweiler back to Peyton Manning for one last hoorah before Manning goes off into the sunset. I think he’ll go off in victory, well at least for this conference championship game.

As dominant as the Patriots are, they have their flaws and I think the Broncos on the road could be the perfect catalyst for a Broncos upset. What went wrong for the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend was an inability to force Tom Brady off the spot.

The Broncos can and will do that with the pass rushing combination of Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. I fully anticipate this dynamic duo to cause a few turnovers which should provide a short field for Manning to work with.

Broncos win 27-24 and advance to the Super Bowl.

Next: Mile High Stadium will be house of horrors

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fans cheer during the fourth quarter in a AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Mile High Stadium will be house of horrors Ryan Patti: Twitter

Ah, we once again have the pleasure in seeing a Tom Brady vs Peyton Manning match-up in the postseason. Unfortunately, this could be the final one. These two have squared countless times over their long careers, but the most recent playoff battle was won by ‘The Sheriff’ in 2013 in the AFC Championship.

This year, Manning will have another opportunity to knock off his rival. In Week 12, the Brock Osweiler-led Broncos took down the Patriots in overtime 30-24 on a C.J. Anderson 48-yard scamper. Bill Belichick’s group struggled a lot in the snowy weather and Denver honestly had minimal trouble stopping Brady. The teams have changed a bit since that contest, but the Broncos are still as complete as can be.

With that being said, I have them taking care of business on their home field. Mile High Stadium has been a house of horrors for the Patriots as of late and Denver’s defense has been phenomenal all season. Expect the Broncos to continue pounding the ball with their two-headed monster in Anderson and Ronnie Hillman while leaning on Manning to move the chains. ‘Tom Terrific’ will attempt to put the team on his back, but with that non-existent run game, Denver knows exactly what’s coming.

Prediction: Broncos 27-23

Next: Patriots will win in a thriller

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots will win in a thriller Mark Kelly: Twitter

This is the fifth time that Manning & Brady are facing off in the postseason which is an NFL record. This is also the 17th time that Manning & Brady are facing each other overall, which sets a NFL Record for most meetings between Super Bowl winning QBs.

Most Head-to-Head Meetings

Super Bowl-Winning QBs (Including Postseason)                           

Tom Brady vs Peyton Manning       17>>    Brady, 11-5

Bart Starr vs Johnny Unitas       16      Tied 8-8

Brett Favre vs Trent Dilfer       11      Favre, 8-3

>>Includes 2015 AFC Championship

Here is the good news for the Patriots. Brady will be facing a Broncos’ defense that allowed the fewest yards in the NFL this season. He’s faced the Number-1 defense in a postseason game three times in his career. All three games have been away from home, he won all three and the Patriots won the Super Bowl in each of those three seasons.

Brady’s stats in those games? 63-89 (.707 completion percentage), 217 Passing YPG, 6 TD, 2 INT and a 104.6 QB Rating.

Tom Brady vs NFL’s No. 1 Defense

Postseason Career

       Opponent      Result

2014   vs Seahawks   Won

2004   at Steelers   Won

2001   at Steelers   Won<<<

>>Patriots won Super Bowl all three seasons

>>>Brady did not finish game due to injury

More good news for Patriots fans. Despite advancing to the AFC Championship Game, Manning has been awful at home this season, throwing just 1 touchdown pass in 162 pass attempts (includes playoffs) against 8 interceptions.  Since the merger (1970), that’s the third most passes a player has thrown in his home stadium while only throwing a single touchdown:

Most Attempts at Home with 1 Pass TD

Single Season Since NFL/AFL Merger (Incl. Playoffs)

1995   Trent Dilfer    TAM     209

1973   Dan Pastorini   HOU     185

2015   Peyton Manning  DEN     162

However, if past history means anything, than Broncos fans can rest in the fact that the home team has won seven of the last eight AFC Championship Games, which is a major difference from 1994-05 when the home team went 5-7 in AFC Championship Games. The Broncos themselves, have excelled at home in AFC Championship Games, going 5-1.

The Broncos and Patriots are the top two seeds in the AFC Playoffs. Since seeding began in 1975, the #1 seed is 24-12 (.667) against the #2 seed in the conference title game. Denver is 4-0 as a #1 seed in such games and 5-0 overall as a #1 seed in the AFC Championship Game. 

Saying all that and giving both sides of the argument, I’m going to go with the Patriots, who are playing in their 10th AFC Championship Game with Tom Brady, of which they have won 6 of 9, going 2-2 on the road, with both losses coming against Manning. Both Brady and Belichick can smell their 5th Super Bowl and this is nowhere near the Broncos’ offense that defeated them two years ago on the same field. Add to that, Brady knows this is his last chance to knockout his rival and leave little doubt to who the better quarterback was.

Patriots   24 Broncos  13

Next: A battle between the elite

Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; A fan holds up a sign about New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning during the fourth quarter of New England

A battle between the elite Mike Nash: Twitter

This could be the last time we see two of the best QB’s of all time going up against each other in Peyton Manning and Tom Brady. I think New England struggles a bit in this one. Denver arguably has the best defense in the NFL, and with the Patriots offensive line a bit banged up, it could be a long day for Brady.

I think a key match-up to watch is Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler against wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Thomas has struggled with drops recently, but is a very tall, physical receiver who is looked at often by Manning.

Overall, I’ll take Denver in a close one, 27-21.

Next: Time for Manning to end this rivalry

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Time for Manning to end this rivalry Paul Harris: Twitter

Nothing makes me happier to confidently say the Patriots will fall this weekend. Although Brady has controlled most of his match ups against Peyton in his career, it’s time for Peyton to deliver in possibly his final post season run. The Broncos have the defense and the run game which is the popular attributes for a championship team in this era.

Brady will give this game all he’s got and probably won’t make any mistakes, but I believe Peyton and D.T. will deliver late and send the Patriots home. Remember, this is the team that ended the Patriots undefeated season a few months ago, with Brock Osweiler.

Of course we all know both these teams are completely different injuries wise and that we’re going to see a completely different game, but I think the Broncos will once again come out on top.

Broncos 24, Patriots 20

Next: Patriots will snatch victory

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs off the field after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20 during the second half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots will snatch victory Steven Blush: Twitter

When was the last time the Broncos played dominating football?  When was the last time the Patriots did not win the big one?

Do you really believe in a beat-up 39-year-old Peyton Manning?  How can you not believe in a healthy 38-year-old Tom Brady?

How in the world are the champion Patriots only 2.5 point favorites?  Who in their right mind would bet against them?

New England is led by notorious “HC of the NYJ” Bill Bilichick, so go with the road team.  Expect Denver, playing Mike Tannenbaum draft washout Josh Bush at safety, to disappoint the Mile High faithful and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Next: Patriots win by a touchdown

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots win by a touchdown Matthew Ordazzo: Twitter

The problem with Denver is that they did just enough to beat a Pittsburgh Steelers team which did not consist of Antonio Brown. Ben Roethlisberger did indeed play that day but he played with torn ligaments in his throwing shoulder and still managed to come within 7-points of defeating the Broncos.

The Patriots had a rather rocky second half of the season winning two of their final six games of the year. However, key players for the Patriots are regaining their health at the right time. Julian Edelman is now back and officially active. Gronkowski had an outstanding performance last week against the Chiefs, silencing any rumors of him being unhealthy.

The Patriots’ offense is nearly unstoppable, no team has been able to figure out just how to successfully shut down Gronk and Edelman. As talented as Aqib Talib and Chris Harris are, I don’t see the Broncos’ solid defense shutting down Brady or his star wide out and tight end.

The only reason why the Broncos are still in the playoffs is because of their running game carrying them to victory this past weekend. I know the Broncos defeated the Patriots earlier in the season but that was with Brock Osweiler which may be a better option to start than the aging Peyton Manning. The Patriots are playing lights out football as I have the game ending in a Patriots 27-20 victory in Denver.

Next: Broncos are going to the Super Bowl

Jan 17, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs with the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) and safety Mike Mitchell (23) during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos are going to the Super Bowl Genna Preston: Twitter – Facebook

Tom Brady and Peyton Manning meet this weekend for the 17^th time as they fight for the AFC title. Might I remind you the two teams met in Week 12 when the Broncos beat the Patriots removing them of their undefeated title.

Keep in mind Tom Brady is 2-6 with games played in Denver. Odds are that despite that statistic, the Patriots will win this game because of who they have under center.

More jets: Top 5 areas that need to be addressed by the Jets

Peyton Manning started last week’s game and with his victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, he seemed to be healthy and kept his starting role. Brady is one of the best quarterbacks in the league but this week he’s playing the No. 2 defense in the NFL.

Looking at both teams last week’s performances, the Patriots are the favorite regardless of the Broncos having home field advantage. But, I am going against the odds! The Broncos win and they are heading to the Super Bowl.