Docs Website

53 Years Strong! A Trusted Leader In Sports Picks, Best Bets and Predictions Since 1971.

Main Menu

Sunday Night Football Picks: New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos

by Mike Allen - 12/21/2023

Sunday Night Football predictions New England Patriots Denver Broncos Courtland Sutton

It is Week 16 in the 2023 NFL regular season, and we have a total of only 4 teams that have clinched a playoff berth, and just one of those teams is in the AFC.

There is, however, a rapidly growing list of teams who are eliminated from postseason contention. And as you might expect, the New England Patriots are on that list.

It has been quite the ride for Bill Belichick, who many regard as the greatest head coach in NFL history. Whether or not it was him that carried Tom Brady or it was the other way around, does anyone care?

If you're a Patriots fan, you have nothing to cry about for at least the next two decades. The GOAT of passing and the GOAT of coaching in the NFL combined, along with a stellar front office, to do the most with less and win consistently at the highest level for over a decade.

That is all in the past now, though…

The word out of Boston is that this will be the final year we see Bill Belichick coaching for the New England Patriots and most likely the last time we see the legend under a headset in the NFL.

He is 71 years old at this point, with absolutely nothing to prove. He has a chance here to play spoiler to some old AFC rivals as the regular season wraps up. It starts this week when they visit the Mile High City to play the Denver Broncos.

Doc’s Sports offers NFL expert picks for every game on our NFL predictions page.

Patriots vs Broncos Betting Odds

Point Spread

New England: +6.5

Denver: -6.5

This line opened up at 5.5, and we have seen quite a bit of money come in on the Broncos here. They are currently the 4th team out of the playoffs at 7-7. They need this win badly. If they can secure it, they will still need help to make the playoffs. However, their final two games are against teams who will likely be out of contention at that time.

Belichick is quite familiar with the other Hall of Fame head coach on the opposite sideline. The Belichick defense has yet to let him down. I know that offense may be one of the worst we have ever seen in this league. However, as you will see from this incredibly low point total, the sportsbooks believe this game is bound to be a tight one.

Moneyline

New England: +235

Denver: -290

Point Total

Over 34.5: -110

Under 34.5: -110

Yes, 34.5 is the total. It was a bit lower at 34. So, we have seen some over money come in. I get why. The Bronco's defense played a lot of teams tightly, but the analytics over time showed that much of their success was more because of causing turnovers than it was dominating the line of scrimmage on defense.

Patriots vs Broncos Betting Analysis

The Denver Broncos' defense ranks 30th in the NFL in almost every major category. The one bright spot has been them bending and not breaking. They are 2nd in the NFL in stopping teams from converting third downs.

After they got their butts whooped by the Detroit Lions, I think the Broncos are the side to play here. They could very well rout the Patriots. Even though I believe in my heart that Belichick's team has his back and will compete for him to the end, even if they don't like him, it's still not enough to bet on a team that's been eliminated from playoff contention.

I also like how the strength of the Denver Broncos offense matches up with the weakness of the New England Patriot defense. The Pats are great at stopping teams on the ground. So, if you are a run-first squad, they will have a lot more success than when they have to stop a Hall of Fame quarterback/head coach combo.

Patriots vs Broncos Betting Prediction

It would have been nice to get the (-5.5) on the Broncos here, but unfortunately, that line moved north, and with haste. There is good reason for that.

Prediction: Denver Broncos (-6.5)

Get NFL picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bet premium picks by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.

Most Recent Sunday Night Football Picks

One E-mail A Week Is All You Need!
Our weekly newsletter is loaded with exclusive free picks,insight and advice from our expert handicappers