In Brief
Randy Moss is averaging a career-low 11.4 yards per catch.
(Winslow Townson / Associated Press)
Last meeting:
The Patriots completely dominated the Broncos in a lopsided 41-7 Week 7 victory last season.
Streaks:
The Broncos have won five of the past seven meetings and have a decisive 26-16 overall series advantage, including the playoffs.
Last week:
A late Brandon Marshall touchdown propelled the Broncos past the visiting Cowboys, 17-10. ... New England staved off a late Baltimore rally, to earn a 27-21 victory.
Keep your eye on ...
Randy Moss' downfield presence: With Wes Welker out in Weeks 2 and 3, Moss shifted from his normal role of working on a lot of deep routes and ran a lot of underneath patterns. The result was 14 receptions, but for only 140 yards (a 10-yard per catch average). Now with Welker back, Moss can go back to getting downfield and giving Tom Brady a home run threat.
The Patriots' blitz packages: With a still-developing, young defense, New England has turned to a much more aggressive scheme this season. The Patriots are blitzing more often and leaving their cornerbacks in a lot more man coverage.
Brandon Marshall's playmaking: The Broncos receiver appears to have mended fences with coach Josh McDaniels and he possesses the kind of athleticism that could burn the Patriots if they get caught blitzing and he gets single covered. If the ground game struggles against New England's 11th-ranked rushing defense, the Broncos may need Marshall to break a long touchdown the way he did last week against Dallas.
Did you know?
Since 2006, Brady is 10-0 in October. ... Moss ranks second in league history with 61 100-yard receiving games (Jerry Rice, 76). ... Broncos QB Kyle Orton is 25-12 as a starter. ... Denver RB Knowshon Moreno leads all rookies with 249 yards rushing.
