My Conference Championship Teaser Picks
- New England (-3.5) over Broncos
- Arizona + Carolina = OVER 47
#NEvsDEN #LetsGo #DoYourJob pic.twitter.com/GViGYG0Eof
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 18, 2016
New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos
When: Sunday, January 24, 3:05 PM ET NFL Odds: New England -3.5 Analysis: Seven weeks ago, Denver defeated New England and covered the spread as a 2.5-point underdog with Brock Osweiler at QB, and many Bronco fans are hoping that their team can repeat that feat as underdogs in the AFC Championship game between the Broncos and Patriots. Considering how Denver’s hard-nosed defense has been choking down opponents mercilessly, you would not be ill-judged for believing that it is possible for lightning to strike twice at Mile High. The problem, however, is that the Broncos will be playing an improved New England team compared to the version they met back in Week 12. And after the Patriots scored 24 points in that 6-point OT loss to the Broncos on November 29, 2015; you can’t help but wonder if the Broncos defense will be able to contain the healthier Patriots offense. Even more worryingly, Denver’s QB Peyton Manning has not thrown for a touchdown in his last three games (including two starts). Manning’s efficiency struggles from the regular season were evident against Pittsburgh on Sunday, as he went 21-of-37 for 222 YDS but with zero TDs. In the meantime, Tom Brady (who led the league with 36 TDs in the regular season) continued to be dependable for his team, as he went 28-42 for 302 YDS and 2 TDs (both passes going to his livewire target TE Rob Gronkowski) against the Chiefs. In addition to those two passing scores, Brady also ran for a TD in the second quarter, bringing his total to 3 touchdowns for the day. All the above being considered, it therefore goes without saying that the Patriots look really good for the win plus the cheap 3.5 points over the Broncos. NFL Pick: Brady bests Manning in their XVII meeting, giving the Patriots (-3.5) a rather comfortable win plus cover over the Broncos.