Patriots vs. Broncos Week 16: How to Watch, Betting Odds, White Christmas?

The New England Patriots play the Denver Broncos Sunday night, hoping to avoid coach Bill Belichick's first 12-loss season.

The Denver Broncos are one of just three teams to hold a non-losing record against Bill Belichick in his illustrious 29-year career. Denver is 10-10 against the future Hall-of-Fame coach; the New York Giants are 4-4, and the Green Bay Packers 3-3. 

That tally could change on Sunday night in snowy Denver as the 3-11 Patriots enter Christmas Eve as 7.5-point underdogs. It's the most the Broncos have been favored all season.

Bailey Zappe / Cred: USA Today Images

Another dubious distinction concerning Belichick is that Denver is the only team to beat his Patriots three times in the playoffs, including two AFC Championship games that featured Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning.

Denver has lost two of three, but won six of its last eight, keeping its playoff hopes alive. The Broncos are fighting for their first trip to the postseason in eight years - the last resulting in a 24-10 Super Bowl L win over the Carolina Panthers.

Sean Payton is the ninth Broncos coach since Belichick took over in New England, and Belichick thinks he's done a good job re-tooling so quickly.

“They're a well-balanced team,” Belichick said of the Broncos. “Obviously, you see Sean’s mark on the team. Sean, ton of respect for him, what he’s done for his career, just the way he coaches, the way he prepares and just the football coach that he is. I think Sean does a great job.”

And Payton knows preparation will be a key to beating Belichick and the Pats on Sunday.

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“They're going to have a way to win the game,” Payton said. “That's evident when you watch them on tape. ... He’s just really good at taking away some things that you want to do or making you play left-handed if you will. It’s always something different."

While the Patriots offense has struggled, averaging a league-low 13.3 points per contest, the run defense has not. New England allows just 3.2 yards per carry - the best in the NFL since the 2014 Lions. And the Pats defense has allowed under three yards per carry in its past three games.

WHAT: New England Patriots (3-11, 2-4 Road) at Denver Broncos (7-7, 4-3 Home)

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, 8:15 p.m. ET

WHERE: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO (76,125)

TELEVISION: NFL Network / FuboTV (try it free)

RADIO: 98.5 The Sports Hub

TICKETS via SI TICKETS

Betting via SI SportsBook

SPREAD: Patriots +7.5

TOTAL: 35.5

MONEYLINE: Patriots +275,  Broncos -345

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