How to watch Broncos vs. Patriots 2014 online: Time, TV schedule, radio and live stream

Sure, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are going at it on Sunday, but the game between two of the AFC’s best has major implications.

by Michael Jones

Nov 2, 2014, 5:30 PM UTC

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

In the most notable matchup among the Week 9 Sunday afternoon games, the New England Patriots play host to the Denver Broncos in a battle for AFC supremacy. Both teams are riding four-game winning streaks, but New England is undefeated at home, which makes the task for the Broncos more difficult.

The Pats will look to solidify their perfect home record with a big win against the defending AFC champions. Such a win would cement Bill Belichick’s squad as a legitimate contender for the AFC crown. This early test against the Broncos is fitting, since they could have to go through Peyton Manning’s crew for a Super Bowl berth.

While the quarterback matchup between Tom Brady and Manning has the potential to dominate all of the storylines, this game could be won or lost on the ground. Ronnie Hillman has emerged as the answer to Denver's woes in the ground game since taking over as the No. 1 back with Montee Ball injured. In the last three games, Hillman has rushed for 283 yards on 58 carries and two touchdowns.

The Pats have struggled to stop the run, allowing nearly 130 yards per game on the ground and ranking 25th in the NFL in rushing defense. That means that Denver will likely work to exploit that advantage. New England may well choose that poison over letting Manning pick it apart through the air.

John Fox’s scoring offense is No. 1, but the Broncos’ defense is ranked fourth overall and is making some strides of its own. The unit will need to be at its best in order to slow down Brady, who has been on a blistering pace with 14 touchdown passes and zero interceptions in his last four games.