The two defining NFL quarterbacks of their generation will duel once again for AFC supremacy as the Peyton Manning and the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos visit Tom Brady and the AFC East-leading New England Patriots. [sc:NFL240banner ]
While Manning has the individual hardware (an NFL-record four MVPs) to support his claim as the better quarterback, Brady has two MVPs of his own, plus two more Super Bowl rings than his archnemesis (3 to 1). Brady has also had the edge in terms of their career head-to-heads (9 wins to 4), but Manning’s Broncos are ready to reduce those gaps this year.
Besides the obvious quarterback duel taking place on Sunday night, Tom Brady’s former target, Wes Welker, will make his return to Foxborough in enemy silks.
Betting on Broncos vs. Patriots, Manning vs. Brady, Wes Welker’s Return
When: November 24, 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachussetts
Odds:
As of November 20, 2013.
Money: Broncos (-140) vs Patriots (+120)
Spread: Broncos (-3) vs Patriots (+3)
Totals: 56.0
Betting on the Denver Broncos
A brief hiccup in Peyton Manning’s homecoming in Indianapolis aside, 2013 is turning into another banner year for the 9-1 Broncos.
In the battle of the NFL’s most efficient offense and the third most efficient pass defense, the offense won out. Denver now owns the outright lead in the AFC West after handing the Kansas City Chiefs their first loss of the season last Sunday.
Not even a high ankle sprain could sufficiently slow down Manning, who had another solid game – 24-for-40, 323 yards and a TD. He was aided by a resilient offensive line which prevented their prized quarterback from getting sacked by one of the best pass rushing teams in the NFL.
On the flipside, the Broncos dropped Alex Smith three times, while their top-10 ranked run defense held Jamaal Charles to 72 net yards. That unit will be tested next Sunday with the Pats’ dynamic running back platoon of Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen.
Denver is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games on the road, but can they get another big road win in Foxborough? Bet now on the Denver Broncos.
Betting on the New England Patriots
Due to a controversial call, the Patriots came up short against the Panthers, but not before giving one of the hottest teams in the entire NFL all they could handle.
Tom Brady couldn’t produce the late-game magic like he did vs the Saints (he was only 4-for-11 in the crucial drive), but he still drove the Pats to the red zone with a chance to win in the final seconds. Prior to the final minute, Brady had been a very accurate going 25-for-29.
[sc:NFL490Banner ]The return of key weapons Rob Gronkowski and Shane Vereen has definitely been a factor in Brady’s resurgence in the past two weeks, when he’s averaged around 70% completion and over 360 yards. Brady also has the added dimension of the 9th best rushing attack in the NFL (126 yards/game).
However, the New England defense is very much missing stalwarts Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo. The Pats haven’t held a team to under 300 total yards since Week 1 against the Bills, a trend that is almost certain to continue against the prolific Broncos.
Can Tom Brady outduel his old nemesis once again? New England is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games vs Denver. Bet now on the New England Patriots
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