The Broncos will host the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 at 6:15 p.m. MT.<\/strong>
After a three-game stretch of road games, the Broncos are returning home to Empower Field at Mile High for a matchup against the New England Patriots. A five-game winning streak in the middle of the season catapulted the Broncos into the playoff conversation, and Denver will need to get hot again in the regular season’s final three games to keep its postseason hopes alive.
While the Patriots have already been eliminated from playoff contention and hold a 3-11 record, New England will pose a tough test for the Broncos on Christmas Eve. The Patriots’ defense ranks fifth in yards per play allowed and second in rushing yards allowed per game entering Week 16, which could make it imperative for the Broncos to establish their rushing attack early with running backs Javonte Williams<\/strong> and Samaje Perine<\/strong>. Red-zone efficiency will also be critical for quarterback Russell Wilson<\/strong> and the Denver offense against one of the league’s best red-zone defenses. Defensively, the Broncos will seek to rattle Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe and limit a New England offense that ranks last in points per game. Denver will also look to pressure the Patriot offense and generate turnovers, a key to its second-half resurgence.
The Broncos ruled out tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring\/foot), outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (knee) and tackle Alex Palczewski (knee) for Sunday’s game against the Patriots. Denver did not assign game statuses to outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, tight end Chris Manhertz, running back Samaje Perine and defensive tackle Mike Purcell.
For New England, safety Jabrill Peppers, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back Rhamondre Stevenson have been ruled out, while tackle Conor McDermott, defensive lineman Christian Barmore, linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, tackle Trent Brown, tight end Hunter Henry, linebacker Anfernee Jennings, cornerback Jonathan Jones, special teamer Matthew Slater and linebacker Jahlani Tavai are listed as questionable. The Patriots did not assign a game status to tackle Tyrone Wheatley.\u00a0
Play-by-Play:<\/strong> Rich Eisen
Analyst:<\/strong> Kurt Warner
Sideline:<\/strong> James Palmer
Sideline<\/strong>: Sherree Burruss
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Play-by-Play:<\/strong> John Sadak
Analyst:<\/strong> Ryan Harris
Play-by-Play:<\/strong> Dave Logan
Analyst:<\/strong> Rick Lewis
Sideline:<\/strong> Susie Wargin
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Perkins, who spent much of the season on the Broncos’ active roster, has appeared in five games for Denver this season.
Bonitto, who has not played since suffering a knee injury against the Chargers on Dec. 10, was the lone player on Denver’s active roster to be ruled out.
Before fan voting for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games closes on Monday, here are just a few Denver players deserving of selections.
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Cooper (ankle) was limited during Wednesday’s practice.
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey and center Lloyd Cushenberry III each selected a sports-based gift as their favorite present from their childhoods.
Though Bill Belichick’s Patriots have a record of taking away their opponent’s top threat, Sutton said he will continue to look for big-play opportunities.
“\u2026 It’s going to be questionable for this game,” Head Coach Sean Payton said. “He didn’t go today, but man, I know he’s feeling better.”
Palczewski was one of four rookie undrafted free agents to make the Broncos’ initial roster in August.
Meinerz and Surtain made an ESPN list that selected the best player at 101 different football traits.
The Broncos released safety Dallin Leavitt from the practice squad in a corresponding move.
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