Both offenses are going to treat this matchup with a very conservative approach. New England has to because of a cluster injury problem it has at wide receiver and on the offensive line. The Broncos have to because of the inexperience of Brock Osweiler, making just his second NFL start.

There also is bad weather to take into account. The forecast in Denver for this Sunday night matchup is for 15 degrees with the possibility of snow at around 60 percent. It's going to be frigid conditions not suitable for a lot of passing.

The Patriots are minus tailback Dion Lewis and wide receivers Julian Edelman and Aaron Dobson. If Danny Amendola doesn't play, the Patriots won't have a wide receiver with more than 17 catches on the season. I'm expecting a heavy dose of LeGarrette Blount running and eating clock for the Patriots.

The Broncos give up the fewest yards in the league. They have the top pass defense and have the most sacks with 34.

The Patriots' defense has been underrated this season. Belichick should easily win a chess matchup against Osweiler, who attempted just three passes of more than 10 yards last week, none of which were completed. The Broncos could be missing their No. 2 wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who hasn't caught a pass during the last two games.