Broncos/Patriots Matchup Comes with Multiple Storylines, Ravens Face Tough Playoff Race

This Sunday night, the Denver Broncos (9-1) will play the New England Patriots (7-3) with many seeing this as the biggest game of season for them. Last week, the Broncos handed the Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) their first loss of the season and they’ll head to New England with a three-game winning streak.

There’s a number of storylines swirling around this game and one of the more popular ones is the return of wide receiver Wes Welker to his former team. Last week, Welker suffered a concussion and by Thursday–just four days later–he had already returned to the practice field on a limited basis. He will still need to be cleared by an independent doctor to receive the green light to play on Sunday.

Wes Welker

Of course his former quarterback Tom Brady expects to see Welker active on Sunday. He said via CBS Sports, “I’ve been around [Welker] long enough to know what he’s all about. He loves playing football, and if there’s a chance for him to play, especially coming back here, he’s definitely going to be out there. I’ve got no question about that.”

In his first season with Denver, Welker has 61 catches for 648 yards.

Meanwhile, Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been struggling with his own injuries. He again missed Wednesday’s practice, which he may continue doing so in the upcoming weeks, but he returned on Thursday for his usual workload as he recovers from a high right ankle sprain.

Which brings us to another storyline for this game: Manning vs. Brady. The veteran quarterbacks have met 13 times and Brady has a 9-4 career record (2-1 postseason) against Manning,

This will be the second time the two will meet with Manning as Bronco. Last season in Week 5, the Patriots won 31-21 on their home field.

But these are different teams this year and Manning, while injured, is having the better season between the two. Over 10 games, Manning has 34 touchdown passes and is on pace to surpass Brady for the NFL single-season record of 50 passes from 2007. Manning previously had 49 passes in 2004.

For this game, there’s playoff seeding implications on the line.

The Broncos and its AFC West rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, both have 9-1 records. As they continue their march for the #1 seed, the Broncos will need a Sunday win, which is potentially challenging as the Patriots have won three straight against them.

The Patriots are in the hunt for the AFC’s second top seed and to do so for a bye in the first round, they will need a win as they’re tied with the Indianapolis Colts (7-3). The Cincinnati Bengals (7-4) sit behind by a half game. Because the teams play in different divisions, if there’s a tiebreaker, the conference record is the decider. Currently, the Colts st at 5-2 for conference play; the Patriots are 4-2, and the Bengals have a 5-3 record.

History is on Brady’s side for this game as the Broncos are 2-9 against New England. In his last five games against them, Brady has grabbed 12 touchdowns and one pick.

It’s hard to bet against either quarterback but Vegas gives the winning nod to Manning (-1, 54 o/u).

In other AFC Play…

Joe Flacco

The Baltimore Ravens (4-6) are one of eight teams who sit either tied for a AFC playoff spot or a game behind. Looking at their remaining schedule, their have the fourth most challenging, according to ESPN.

The Ravens’ schedule has opponents with a 31-29 record (.517) combined. When looking at other AFC teams in the playoff race, only three of them have a tougher finish: the San Diego Chargers (.689), Oakland Raiders (.600) and Miami Dolphins (.525).

As for the easiest path? The Cleveland Browns with opponents at 27-32 (.450).

This week the Ravens will play the New York Jets (5-5) and will get the win (-3.5, 39 o/u).