AFC Championship: Patriots vs. Broncos
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Thoughts from the board
Ricomandog
The other predictions didn't come true but this is finally the week they lose. No worse way to have your heart broken than being one win away from making the Superb Owl, and losing an easy game that they should win. Table was set perfectly to advance by playing Studham but it all comes crashing down on Pats Nation. I'll be able to rest well after this week.
Broncos win 24-10
Bold Prediction: STUDham throws 3 TDs and over 300 yards. T-Rex gives up 5 sacks and Maye turns into Oprah: "You get a fumble, You get a fumble, everyone gets a fumble" and has 5 fumbles.
DNOM
The Patriots won't be underestimating the Broncos regardless of starting quarterback. While I understand that Denver has a very good offensive line and defense, I trust Maye and the offense to bounce back and the defense to continue to force opposing QBs (in this case, Stidham) into game-changing mistakes.
Patriots win 39-9
Bold Prediction: Patriots block a punt and return it for a TD, and Marcus Jones returns another punt for a TD
Blight
While the Pats need to clean up their turnovers on offense, the defense should feast. Stidham is a turnover machine, and I suspect pressure generated by the Pats d-line will force him into multiple turnovers.
Patriots win 34-13
Bold Prediction: Stidham responsible for three turnovers.
Mr Roger Badell
Game is never close or out of pats hand. Stid the kid is pressured on every single drop back and I didn't even save this for the prediction. D gets at least 4 total turnovers and they will score on at least one of them. Drake has a couple blips but is overall solid and does plenty to secure the win. Mondre will be a beast.
Patriots win 31-16
Bold Prediction: 87.4% of bronco fans break their tv before the final kneel-down
PPB
The Patriots defense wins them this game. They will force three Stidham INTs, all leading to scores. The Broncos defense keeps it tight but falls apart, because of the turnovers (and bad field position). Maye plays a cleaner game than in divisional round.
Patriots win 31-10
Bold Prediction: Marcus Jones has a punt return for a TD.
Memo
if the Pats play a clean game on offense, avoiding turnovers as best as they can, or get ahead early and play with the lead, they will win. And even if they are dragged into a slog of a game that's close in the 4th, I'll take the Pats offense over an already not-so-great Broncos offense that is further weakened by missing its unpredictable element in Nix. So unless Pats are in a situation where they fall behind big early and forced to play catchup like the 2015 AFCCG game, I like their chances to advance.
Patriots win 24-20
Bold Prediction:
RKing
Is this finally Stidham's shot? Pats defense is playing great and with confidence while being continuously under estimated. I think they'll have another big game. Maye and the offense have plenty of work to do against the Denver D, but I think they'll play better than rhe last two games. Pats win in fairly convincing fashion.
Patriots win 27-13
Bold Prediction: Stidham pick 6 on the opening drive
Zoo
Broncos defense and Stidham will make it difficult in the first half, but the Patriots adjust accordingly and route them for a trip to the Super Bowl.
Patriots win 33-20
Bold Prediction: Drake throws for 300+ yards, 3 TDs, and 0 turnovers.
redemptionCR
Game will go to OT because why not. Playing in Denver is bad juju. Just like Miami. Many a big game has been lost by the Pats in Denver. Does that mean I'm picking the Broncos? No. I'm picking the game goes to OT. And then the game is in the hands of the Gods
win 27-27
Bold Prediction: At least 3 or 4 strange plays happen that go against the Pats
Oscar
So many "buts" in this game. The Pats are 8-0 on the road, but Denver is a terrible place for road teams. The Broncos have one of the top defenses in the league, but they yielded 30 points to Beefalo at home last week. Maye is the most accurate passer in the league this season, but he's up against another ferocious pass rush.. Stidham is a backup QB, but he's got the arm talent and the confidence to pull this off. This one is just too close to call.
Broncos win 30-27
Bold Prediction: The name you'll hear over and over again Sunday....Alex Singleton. He gets a sack and a pick.
MAC
The Pats are undefeated on the road but the Pats have yet to win a playoff game in DEN. Something has to give. This will be won by the defenses ultimately. Flying in Sat is a concern but having players back to rotate is a plus. MV has them prepped. Maye should have fewer turnovers. Stid may do better than expected. I also did my usual wait until Oscar posts his prediction...so we now have a chance.
Patriots win 27-23
Bold Prediction: One ST/DEF score for the Pats.
Dino
The Bronchi rely on Dobbins for their run game, and he is out. They rely on Bo Nix's evasiveness in their pass game, and he is out. So they will have to rely on their defense to give their undermanned offense great field position in order to have a chance. I think they can achieve that. The key to the game will be the turnover margin. Drake Maye simply has to be better at ball security for the Pats to win.
Patriots win 20-17
Bold Prediction: Drake Maye loses two fumbles; Jarrett Stidham throws two interceptions.
rondo723
R-E-L-A-X
Patriots win 31-14
Bold Prediction: Jonathan Kraft isn't a petulant baby
