2012 AFC Divisional Playoffs Preview: Broncos vs Patriots

The Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots meet once again this season. The first time that they played against each other was in Denver on Dec. 18th with New England winning the game 41-23. For this AFC Divisional Playoff game, it will be played in Foxboro. Will the outcome be different from the last time? Well, you have to read this preview in order to find out.

Quarterbacks: There is no need to go in-depth with an analysis. Tom Brady. Advantage: Patriots.

Running Backs: The Patriots have a collection of guys at running back: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Stevan Ridley, and Danny Woodhead. The Broncos counter with thousand yard rusher Willis McGahee (1,199 yards rushing). Advantage: Broncos.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: The Broncos receivers are very young, but WR Demaryius Thomas and TE Daniel Fells were rather effective last weekend. With the Patriots, Brady can throw to WR's Wes Welker and Deion Branch and to TE's Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Advantage: Patriots.

Offensive Line: The Broncos have an athletic offensive line as four of its five starters are 26 and younger, which is led by Ryan Clady. The Patriots have a very experienced line, which is led by Matt Light and Logan Mankins. Both of these lines are pretty good. Advantage: Even.

Defensive Line: Both teams have pass rushers that can get to the quarterback: the Broncos with Elvis Dumervil (9.5 sacks) and the Patriots with Mark Anderson (10 sacks). Advantage: Even.

Linebackers: The Broncos have rookie Von Miller (11.5 sacks) and DJ Williams (5 sacks) wreaking havoc in the opponents' backfield. In the Patriots' defensive scheme, the linebackers are called upon to make tackles and to not rush the passer. Advantage: Broncos.

Secondary: The Broncos have one of the best cover corners in the game in Champ Bailey. The Patriots two CB's that produce on the field. Devin McCourty has become one of the top corners in the NFL, while CB Kyle Arrington led the Patriots in tackles and in interceptions. Advantage: Even.

Special Teams: Stephen Gostkowski is one of the best clutch kickers in the game for the Patriots. The Broncos Matt Prater has been the best kicker this season as he became the first person in NFL history to make two 59-yard field goals in one game. Advantage: Broncos.

Although this preview gives more advantages to the Broncos, the Patriots should win this game. For those gamblers out there, Denver will cover the spread though because the first game got out of hand only because McGahee was injured in the second half. However, I wouldn't mind if the Broncos won just so that I could see the Tebow haters whine for another week.