New England Patriots
LeGarrette Blount/James White (Running Back): Blount is the main back of this Patriots offense however he is the offensive hammer. If Blount can punch it in on third down or near the goal line they give it to Brady. White saw only 4 touches last week despite his 2 touchdowns. Either way both running backs are a bad matchup considering the Denver Broncos allow the 15th fewest fantasy points to running backs and are 7th in the NFL at defending the rush allowing around 93.7 yards per game.
Tom Brady (Quarterback): The Broncos are the number 1 defense against the pass. Brady has easily been the number 1 quarterback all season long; his armor though is beginning to chip. Last week we saw what injuries have done to the Patriots offensive line and wide receiving corps. Now Brady will have to withstand the onslaught of the best defense in the league without great protection or excellent weaponry.
Brandon LaFell/Danny Amendola (Wide Receivers): Amendola may miss Sunday's contest it is not known yet if his injury will keep him out. If it does Brandon LaFell should get all of his targets against a defense that is ranked 1st against the pass and gives up the fewest points to wide receivers. Both of these guys must be sat this week.
Rob Gronkowski (Tight End): The Broncos have also given up the 12th fewest points against opposing tight ends and did I mention, THEY ARE RANKED 1st AGAINST THE PASS. Gronk is a monster but he has been bottled up by less imposing defenses such as Dallas and Buffalo.
Denver Broncos
Demaryius Thomas/Emmanuel Sanders (Wide Receivers): Sanders was practicing on Wednesday so his status may be improved, he did suffer a high ankle sprain in week 11 so he may come down to a game time decision. If that is the case this would leave the majority of the targets to Thomas who will likely feast on a defense that has given up the 5th most fantasy points to wide receivers.
Ronnie Hillman (Running Backs): Hillman is the clear cut starter however he is going up against a defense that has given up the fourth fewest points to fantasy running backs. The Patriots allow 88 rushing yards a game which is a few more than Hillman should have.
