NFL Match of the Week with Hamish Girvan

Game of the week – New England Patriots at Denver Broncos 2.30pm Monday (NZ time)

This week brings that classic AFC duel between the Patriots Tom Brady and Denver Bronco’s Peyton……hold on its Brock Osweiler !! Yes with Manning’s foot in a cast Brock Osweiler takes over again for his second career start, which started in the best way possible with a win at the Chicago Bears last week. There are rumours that Manning may have played his last game with the Broncos and the team want to move on in a new direction with Osweiler – maybe that’s what should have happened at the start of the season – what more does Manning need to prove in his career?

Osweiler was drafted in 2012 by the Broncos and the ex Arizona State College Quarterback has watched a master at work as an apprentice, so comes in well prepared.

The Patriots huffed and puffed to a win over the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football and come into Denver as favourites. This week though it may be different. As injuries mount in the Patriots camp their ability is starting to wane and this could be a struggle.

The Broncos defence has been one of the best in the NFL and if they get to Brady – like Buffalo did – they will make it a long day for the New England team. The offensive weapons at Brady’s disposal is limited with injuries, and last week a running back was used more like a Wide Receiver to get any go forward.

The Broncos are underdogs at home which is unusual in the NFL – especially for a team with a with winning record. The love for the Patriots may have gone too far with this line and this could be the Patriots first loss of the season. Expect Osweiler to make a strong home game debut. Take the 3 points the Broncos are getting a start with.

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