Much has been documented about how great defenses win championships, but without a good offense, winning games becomes virtually impossible, especially when you are playing against a great attacking team. That is the predicament the iffy Denver offense (with excellent defense) will have to deal with this Sunday when the Broncos host the New England Patriots, who are irrefutably the best offensive team in the AFC. As we prepare for this mouthwatering encounter that features arch-rivals Tom Brady and Peyton Manning going against each other, let’s take a succinct look at what the Manning-led Broncos offense offers in the AFC Championship Game Odds.
Against the Steelers, running back C.J. Anderson performed strongly, leading the team with 72 yards and a score on 15 carries, while also scoring a two-point conversion. In the 30-24 win against New England in Week 12, Anderson was also big for his team, torching the Patriots for a 51-yard game-winning touchdown in overtime. That touchdown culminated a splendid performance for the star running back, who finished the game with 113 yards and two TDs on just 15 carries. It therefore goes without saying that Anderson and his fellow runners will be crucial in this week’s game against Denver.
Denver vs New England: Game, TV and NFL Betting Info
What: New England Patriots (12-4) at Denver Broncos (12-4)When: Sunday, January 24, 2016Kickoff: 3:05 PM ETWhere: Denver, COStadium: Sports Authority Field at Mile HighSpread: Patriots -3Moneyline: New England -163 vs Denver +143Game Total: 44.5Watch: CBSStream: CBS Sports Listen: New England vs DenverDenver Got the Job Done Against Pittsburgh
It wasn’t easy or pretty, but Denver played well enough in the Divisional Round against Pittsburgh to claim a 23-16 win on Sunday. Peyton Manning, playing in his first start since November 15, was far from fluid, throwing for just 222 yards with no touchdowns—his third game in a row (including two starts) that he failed to throw a touchdown pass.Manning, however, made a couple of big plays that ultimately helped to win the game, including the deep 31-yard pass to Bennie Fowler on third-and-12, which helped set up a touchdown in the fourth quarter.Wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas also performed decently against Pittsburgh, something they’ll be hoping to replicate this week. Sanders, in particular, looked splendid against the Steelers, leading Denver with five catches for 85 yards. Notably, he also had a game-high 113 yards in the Week 12 home win over New England, a game that featured backup quarterback Brock Osweiler. If Manning can find his footing this Sunday, he should be able to enjoy the trustworthy services of his receivers, of course led by Sanders and Thomas.Gary Kubiak’s Run-oriented Offense Has Tons of Value
With both Manning and Osweiler not being able to do much with their hands this season, coach Kubiak’s run-heavy offense has proved very pivotal for the team. And from the looks of things, the Broncos will probably want to run the ball more once again, given the suspicious nature of the team’s passing game.Against the Steelers, running back C.J. Anderson performed strongly, leading the team with 72 yards and a score on 15 carries, while also scoring a two-point conversion. In the 30-24 win against New England in Week 12, Anderson was also big for his team, torching the Patriots for a 51-yard game-winning touchdown in overtime. That touchdown culminated a splendid performance for the star running back, who finished the game with 113 yards and two TDs on just 15 carries. It therefore goes without saying that Anderson and his fellow runners will be crucial in this week’s game against Denver.
