The Denver Broncos, currently 7-7, remain in the 11th spot in the AFC playoff race, with a chance to move up to the 10th spot by defeating the New England Patriots in tonight's game. The Broncos would then pass the Cincinnati Bengals, who are also 8-7. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts, despite losing, are still tied for the AFC South lead and are in contention for the final Wild-card slot, which could become a five-way tie if Denver wins. In the game, the Broncos executed a 52-yard punt return and led 7-3 at halftime after a series of punts, turnovers on downs, and missed field goals by both teams, including two by Lutz. The Patriots' defense has been strong, highlighted by a strip sack by Zappe, a strip fumble by Mack Wilson, a forced fumble by Tavai, and a fumble recovery by Pharms. However, their offense has struggled to sustain drives, with a third-down conversion rate of 1-6, and special teams have had coverage issues. The Patriots, who are 3-11 and out of playoff contention, are still playing hard. In the second half, the Patriots made significant plays, including a 41-yard catch by Douglas, a great catch by DeVante Parker over Pat Surtain, and a touchdown by Elliott, although the extra point was not good, putting them ahead 9-7. Later, a fumble by Mims on a kickoff was recovered by the Patriots for a touchdown, extending their lead to 23-7. The Broncos responded with a touchdown catch by Lucas Krull, his first career TD, and attempted a two-point conversion.
Lucas Krull with his first career TD catch. And now we'll see if the Broncos can convert a two-point conversion.
Mims fumbles kickoff. Pats recover for TD. #Patriots 23 #BroncosCountry 7 #NEvsDEN live blog: https://t.co/Mdnb617hVs
DeVante Parker with a great catch over Pat Surtain down the sideline and the Patriots are set up first-and-10 at the #Broncos' 12-yard line.
Zappe to Elliott for the 15-yd TD. XP no good. #Patriots 9 #BroncosCountry 7 #NEvsDEN live blog: https://t.co/BayAdZRfFH
Douglas with a huge catch for the Patriots for 41 yards. Just like that, first and 10 at #Broncos 29.
Half: Broncos lead 7-3 š Zappe 10/13, 92 yds, fumble(strip sacked on 1st play by DJ Jones) š Elliott 7 att 17 yds 2 rec 11 yds š Pats 1-6 on 3rd down š Mack Wilson sack, strip fumble š Tavai FF, Pharms fum recovery #NEvsDEN @wbz
#Patriots-Broncos 1st half: - Fumble - Turnover on downs - Punt - Punt - Punt - Touchdown - Field goal - Fumble - Punt - Punt - Missed FG - Missed FG
Broncos 7, Patriots 3 (half): Defense keeping the team in the game. Just can't sustain and/or finish drives offensively, and special teams struggles keep showing up (coverage and FG kicking). Patriots, 3-11 and out of playoffs, are playing hard. Broncos get ball to open 2H.
Lutz is wide left from 57, and it's Broncos 7, Patriots 3 at halftime. Ugly half for both teams.
Chad Ryland with 33-yd FG #BroncosCountry 7 #Patriots 3 #NEvsDEN live blog: https://t.co/4poEwO6SN8
Now, believe it or not, Patriots outgained #Broncos 51-34 yards in the first quarter.
First Pats offense puts D in bad position- but the D survives Then, ST allows a 52 yard Bronco punt Return Denver offense responds with 5 play 25 yd drive to take 7-0 lead Uncomplimentary football #NEvsDEN @wbz
The #Patriots hold the #Broncos to no points on a drive that started on their own 6-yard line š https://t.co/wALZVPwzGn
All three AFC South leaders fall today. So the #Colts are still in a three-way tie for the division lead. Also in at least a four-way tie for the final Wild-card slot. Denver can make it five with a win tonight.
#Broncos (7-7) got help in the early games with Indianapolis (8-7) and Houston (8-7) losing. They remain in the No. 11 spot in the AFC playoff race entering tonight's game vs. Patriots and will move up to No. 10 with a win, passing Cincinnati (8-7).