The Denver Broncos’ 33-year-old head coach Josh McDaniels will be facing his former team and mentor Bill Belichick this week at home.  The Broncos defense has been very strong this year and their running game has been even stronger.  They will be without Correll Buckhalter this week though, as he is still battling an ankle injury from last week.  Knowshown Moreno is more than capable though, as he has 249 yards on 60 carries (4.2 avg).  Buckhalter and his 7.2 yards per carry will be missed though and it could be a difference maker in this game.

The Patriots will also be without their top running back, as Fred Taylor has season ending ankle surgery yesterday.  Laurence Maroney will be the starter and is averaging 2.9 yards per carry.  The Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady has looked rusty so far this season, but with Taylor out I am expecting Brady to have a big game.  The Broncos will battle hard in this game, but I think they will fall just short and lose a close one.

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION:  Denver Broncos 23, New England Patriots 27