From the franchise's first-ever game to its most-recent AFC Championship victory, the Broncos have a rich history against the Patriots. Take a look back through several of the most memorable wins with these photos.
Rich Jackson, Dave Costa and Pete Duranko pressure a Patriots QB during the Broncos' 35-7 win in September of 1969.
Linebacker Karl Mecklenburg stops Patriots quarterback Tony Eason during a September 28, 1986 win (27-20) against New England.
Running back Ken Bell flies through the hole during a September 28, 1986 win (27-20) against the New England Patriots.
Running back Sammy Winder follows his lead blocker Dave Studdard during a January 4, 1986 playoff win (22-17) against the New England Patriots.
Running back Ken Bell carries the ball during a December 17, 1988 win (21-10) against the New England Patriots.
Defensive back Tyrone Braxton leaps for an interception during a December 17, 1988 win (21-10) over the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium.
John Elway checks his hand after a play against the New England Patriots November 17, 1996.
Rod Smith makes a spectacular catch and stiff-arms his opponent against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Harald Hasselbach sacks Drew Bledsoe against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
John Mobley is helped up by teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
John Elway salutes Terrell Davis after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Mike Lodish sweeps the leg of a Patriot runner and makes the tackle against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Terrell Davis rushes for yardage against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
John Elway meets with Drew Bledsoe during the coin toss of the regular season opening game against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Ed McCaffrey stretches to reach the goal line but comes up one yard short against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Terrell Davis breaks through the Patriots defense en route to the end zone for a Broncos touchdown against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 7, 1998.
Chris Cole awaits the opening kickoff against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Trevor Pryce moves in to make a play against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Rod Smith makes a 65-yard touchdown reception against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Denard Walker celebrates after intercepting a pass attempt in the back of the end zone against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Eric Brown intercepts a Patriots pass attempt against the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 28, 2001.
Al Wilson sacks Tom Brady against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on October 27, 2002.
Mike Shanahan greets with Bill Belichick after the Broncos' victory over the Patriots against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on October 27, 2002.
Defensive back Nick Ferguson tackles WR Tim Dwight as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 28-20 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium on October 16, 2005 in Denver, CO. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Patriots QB Tom Brady chats with Champ Bailey as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Al Wilson flexes his muscles as the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer winds up for a pass as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006.
Photo: Justin Tafoya/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Mike Anderson gives a Mile High Salute after scoring a touchdown as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Rod Smith pulls in a touchdown reception as the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Champ Bailey intercepts a pass intended for Troy Brown as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Champ Bailey takes off downfield after making an interception as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Rich Clarkson/Rich Clarkson and Associates
John Lynch returns an interception as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 27-13 in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 14, 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
The Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA on September 24, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Javon Walker celebrates a touchdown as the Denver Broncos take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA on September 24, 2006. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
The Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 17-7 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on September 24, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Jake Plummer congratulates Javon Walker on the sideline as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots 17-7 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA on September 24, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Broncos players, clad in their throwback uniforms to celebrate the franchise's 50th anniversary, run onto the field in the NFL game against the New England Patriots October 11, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Knowshon Moreno rushes the ball in the NFL game against the New England Patriots October 11, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Brandon Marshall dives across the goal line for a touchdown against the New England Patriots on October 11, 2009
Vonnie Holliday knocks the ball loose from Tom Brady in the NFL game against the New England Patriots October 11, 2009 at Invesco Field. The fumble was recovered by Elvis Dumervil
Jabar Gaffney catches the ball after it was tipped by Brandon McGowan in the NFL game against the New England Patriots October 11, 2009 at Invesco Field.
Matt Prater kicks the game-winning field goal in overtime to defeat the New England Patriots on October 11, 2009
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a one yard pass to Jacob Tamme for a 2nd quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) scores on a three yard reception during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) catches a pass during first quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (94) sacks New England quarterback Tom Brady (12) for a 10 yard loss on fourth down during third quarter action in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) audibles during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014. (Photo by Gabriel Christus)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) hangs on to a 26 yard reception during second quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) hangs onto the football on a 14 yard reception during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) cheers with other teammates after winning the AFC Championship after the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014. (Photo: Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos)
CBS' Jim Nantz interviews Peyton Manning and Demaryius Thomas after Denver defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos players hoist the Lamar Hunt AFC Championship trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 26-16 in the AFC Championship playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO on January 19, 2014.
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) drops back to pass during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) carries the ball right for a 19-yard touchdown run during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) catches a 36-yard pass as New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) defends on the play during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) slides into the end zone after a 15-yard touchdown run during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball left for a 6-yard gain during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) pressures New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos wide receiver Andre Caldwell (12) catches a 4 yard touchdown reception during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) catches a 39-yard pass during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots during the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, November 29, 2015. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22), begins to celebrate as he heads to the end zone, after breaking into the open, running 48 yards for the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the New England Patriots in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Brock Osweiler and C.J. Anderson share a hug during the postgame celebration after Denver defeated the New England Patriots 30-24 in the NFL game at Denver,CO. November 29, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass during first quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) celebrates his 21-yard reception for a touchdown in the first quarter against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Danny Trevathan (59) tackles New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during first quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) catches a 12 yard pass for a 2nd quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) for a 6-yard loss during third quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) on an 8 yard carry during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) scrambles for a 12 yard gain during third quarter action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) celebrates his sack of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) for a 2 yard loss during first quarter action in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates after an interception during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) reacts after breaking up a pass during third quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) stops New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) short of the first down on fourth-and-one during fourth quarter action in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) pressure New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during second quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) intercepts a two-point conversion attempt by the New England Patriots during fourth quarter action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Conference Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) congratulates Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) at midfield after Denver defeated the New England Patriots 20-18 in the NFL AFC Conference Championship playoff game at Denver, Colo. January 24, 2016. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrate in confetti after action against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Ben Hays.
The Broncos' regular-season opener isn't for another few months, but over the next few weeks, DenverBroncos.com will take an early look at each game on the Broncos' 2020 schedule. We don't know how injuries could impact each contest, but we'll present the pressing storylines, matchups, questions and more.
It's never too early to start talking football.
We continue with Denver's Week 5 road game against the New England Patriots.
Storylines to monitor:
Over the last 19 seasons, the Patriots have won the AFC East on 17 occasions, earned a trip to the Super Bowl on nine occasions and hoisted six Lombardi Trophies.
Without Tom Brady in New England, will that success continue?
Patriots coach Bill Belichick has long been known for his ability to take away an opposing team's best weapon — but how will he fare without his own? New England's 2020 season could be the ultimate litmus test for Belichick's coaching prowess, and it's clear that many believe in him to help the Patriots challenge for a playoff berth. The longtime head coach is among the betting favorites to be the NFL's coach of the year.
Make no mistake: With or without Brady, New England will provide a stiff test for the Broncos — especially as Denver plays the second of back-to-back games on the east coast.
Arguably the AFC's best rivalry from the last decade, the Broncos and Patriots now enter a new chapter. This year's matchup could prove critical in wild-card tiebreaks later in the season.
Player to watch:
QB Jarrett Stidham
Stidham — assuming he's the Patriots' Week 5 starter — could decide the outcome of this game with his play. If he's able to avoid turnovers, move the chains at key moments and make the occasional big throw, that could be enough to help New England win a close game. If he plays like a relative rookie, though, Von Miller and Bradley Chubb could apply pressure and A.J. Bouye, Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson could force a turnover or two. That, it seems, would be the recipe for a Broncos win in a tough road matchup.
The truth of the matter, though, is that we don't know much about what to expect from Stidham. He threw just four passes last year during the regular season, so we're left to extrapolate from the preseason. He completed 67.8 percent of his passes for four touchdowns and an interception for a 102.6 quarterback rating during that action.
Miller made Brady's acquaintance often during the teams' previous meetings. Will he introduce himself to Stidham in game-changing fashion in New England?
The question mark:
How will Drew Lock fare against the Patriots' defense?
New England lost in the wild-card round of last year's playoffs, but the Patriots' defense was among the best in the league. Through the midway point of the season, New England positioned itself as one of the top scoring defenses of all time. While they slipped a bit to end the year, they still finished first in the league in both total defense and scoring defense. Opponents averaged just north of 14 points per game against New England.
The Patriots were particularly dangerous against the pass, as they ranked second in passing yards allowed. Belichick, who has built a reputation for flummoxing young quarterbacks, could have quite the plan dialed up for Drew Lock and an incredibly young Broncos offense.
If Lock can play mistake-free football and distribute the ball to his host of playmakers, the Broncos' offense should be able to put up more points than a potentially limited Patriots offense.
This game, though, has the makings of a defensive struggle.
An opposing view:
Megan O'Brien, a team reporter for the New England Patriots, on how she views the team's quarterback competition:
"There seems to be a perception that Stidham is the guy, but in my opinion, I think they brought back Hoyer for a reason. Especially given the circumstances of this offseason, I think we could see a situation where it very well might be Hoyer to start the season and perhaps as Stidham gets comfortable, we could see a switch. I do believe it is an open quarterback competition. I don't think the job is Stidham's. I think Hoyer's definitely in the mix, and depending on how all of this offseason goes with training camp, we could see a different situation — perhaps it's Hoyer starting. What I do think about Stidham is being around for a year, he's earned the trust of a lot of his teammates. Go back to some of the press conferences with Devin McCourty this offseason, and they just spoke about the way he carried himself as a rookie. I think that means a lot coming from a guy like Devin McCourty who's been around for quite a while. It will be interesting to see. If you go back and look at the fourth-round picks who have ended up having a career as a quarterback, there's not too many in recent years. It will be interesting to see what Stidham looks like. Looking back at last year throughout training camp and throughout the preseason, all you could say really is that he improved. But there wasn't a lot to see."
For more from O'Brien on the Patriots team the Broncos will see in Week 5, click here.
The last meeting:
The Broncos and Patriots played on an annual basis from 2011-2017 thanks in large part to both teams finishing at the top of their division on a regular basis. In addition to their seven regular-season matchups during that time frame, the Broncos and Patriots also met three times in the playoffs.
The Broncos, though, haven't faced New England since a 41-16 loss in Denver in 2017. Brady threw three touchdowns in that win, and the Broncos struggled to put points on the board as they mustered just one touchdown. That loss came in the midst of an eight-game losing streak and pushed the Broncos to 3-6 on the season.
Denver last played at Gillette Stadium in 2014.
