The New England Patriots led by Tom Brady will attempt to take down the Denver Broncos led by Peyton Manning for a second time this season, nearly two months after beating them in a November game that went to overtime. The duel between the two future Hall of Fame passers is one of the only things similar about the rematch, as the Week 12 matchup featured many playmakers who will not participate the second time around.
Patriots vs. Broncos matchup much different than Week 12 meeting
Rob Gronkowski and Von Miller had large impacts in the Week 12 meeting between the Patriots and Broncos, but both will be unavailable for the AFC Championship on Sunday.
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The Broncos no longer have two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Von Miller available to affect Brady, nor do they have starting cornerback Chris Harris, who suffered an ACL tear in the team's victory over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. In the Week 12 game between the two teams, Miller recorded two sacks and a 60-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
New England has had its fair share of losses as well, including the season-ending knee injury suffered by two-time Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski. The loss of Brandon Spikes would have been seen as devastating earlier in the year; however, the emergence of Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins has lessened the blow significantly.
Gronkowski racked up seven receptions for 90 yards against the Broncos in Week 12, while Brandon Bolden led the way for the Patriots on the ground with 58 yards rushing, 11 receiving and a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter that helped cut into the Denver lead. Bolden has seen very little play time since, as LeGarrette Blount has emerged as a playmaker for the team.
For the Broncos, it was Knowshon Moreno who led the way with a career-best 224-yard rushing performance that included one touchdown. He has not eclipsed 100 yards rushing since.
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