The Broncos will host the New England Patriots at Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023 at 6:15 p.m. MT.
MATCHUP
After a three-game stretch of road games, the Broncos are returning home to Empower Field at Mile High for a matchup against the New England Patriots. A five-game winning streak in the middle of the season catapulted the Broncos into the playoff conversation, and Denver will need to get hot again in the regular season's final three games to keep its postseason hopes alive.
While the Patriots have already been eliminated from playoff contention and hold a 3-11 record, New England will pose a tough test for the Broncos on Christmas Eve. The Patriots' defense ranks fifth in yards per play allowed and second in rushing yards allowed per game entering Week 16, which could make it imperative for the Broncos to establish their rushing attack early with running backs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine. Red-zone efficiency will also be critical for quarterback Russell Wilson and the Denver offense against one of the league's best red-zone defenses. Defensively, the Broncos will seek to rattle Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe and limit a New England offense that ranks last in points per game. Denver will also look to pressure the Patriot offense and generate turnovers, a key to its second-half resurgence.
INJURY UPDATE
The Broncos ruled out tight end Greg Dulcich (hamstring/foot), outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (knee) and tackle Alex Palczewski (knee) for Sunday's game against the Patriots. Denver did not assign game statuses to outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, tight end Chris Manhertz, running back Samaje Perine and defensive tackle Mike Purcell.
For New England, safety Jabrill Peppers, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back Rhamondre Stevenson have been ruled out, while tackle Conor McDermott, defensive lineman Christian Barmore, linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley, tackle Trent Brown, tight end Hunter Henry, linebacker Anfernee Jennings, cornerback Jonathan Jones, special teamer Matthew Slater and linebacker Jahlani Tavai are listed as questionable. The Patriots did not assign a game status to tackle Tyrone Wheatley.
HOW TO WATCH, LISTEN AND LIVESTREAM
WATCH LOCALLY ON TV: DENVER7
WATCH OUT OF MARKET ON TV: NFL Network
Play-by-Play: Rich Eisen
Analyst: Kurt Warner
Sideline: James Palmer
Sideline: Sherree Burruss
WATCH LOCALLY VIA STREAMING: NFL+
An NFL+ subscription includes the ability to stream live local and prime-time games on mobile and tablet devices, access to NFL Network and live game audio (home, away and national calls) for every game of the season. NFL+ Premium subscriptions also includes NFL RedZone and full-game replays across devices.
LISTEN NATIONALLY: Westwood One
Play-by-Play: John Sadak
Analyst: Ryan Harris
LISTEN LOCALLY: KOA - 850 AM/94.1 FM
Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
Sideline: Susie Wargin
LISTEN OUT OF MARKET: SiriusXM
Listen on channel 85 or 225 on the SXM app (siriusxm.us/BroncosSXM).
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Follow the Broncos for live game-day updates, videos and behind-the-scenes photos:
Instagram: @Broncos
Twitter: @Broncos
Facebook: Denver Broncos
