I bet you all thought Wunderdog was a Bronco-hater, having gone against them three of the past four weeks (going 2-0-1 with those selections). Alas, I like them this week as a doggy! The Ponies have proven themselves one of the league’s top teams, yet find themselves getting three points against a struggling Patriots team that has lost three straight. In the last three games, New England has been exposed, allowing three 100+ yard rushers and scoring only 37 points while giving up 75. Turmoil.
Griese has finally found Shannon Sharpe and Denver’s offense should have no problem against a team giving up over 28 points a game in their last four contests. Denver will most likely shift its focus to the ground as their eighth-ranked rushing offense faces New England’s twenty-eighth ranked rushing defense. Meanwhile, New England’s offensive fortunes will be pinned solely on Tom Brady as their twenty-third ranked rushing offense won’t have a prayer versus Denver’s #1 ranked rushing defense. Without a running game, Brady will be under too much pressure to have a lot of success.
On the downside, Denver will be without starting center Tom Nalen. I have long held that the most impactful injury is the Center position (with QB coming in second) because mis-snaps can turn any game around. I am hoping that with a full week of prep, backup Center Ben Hamilton will be prepared.
In any case, visiting dogs have historically fared very well against teams allowing 25+ points in their last two games (over 70% ATS) and I expect Denver to win this game outright.