Who is the Bigger Threat: The Broncos or the Colts?

Rick:  The bigger threat to the Patriots is still the Denver Broncos. While Bill Belichick seems to have the formula to stop both Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck, the Patriots have forced Luck into seven interceptions in the two matchups they have played. Plus, I think Denver’s defense is better than the Colts, especially since the Colts do not have Robert Mathis to rush the passer and they are 27th against the pass. With Brady finding his form over the last five games, I think it is more critical for New England to have home field over Denver than Indianapolis.

Raj:  The Denver Broncos are the biggest threat to this Patriots team. We know that Luck and the Colts are on the rise. But that doesn’t mean they have risen yet. The Broncos have already proved to be the Patriots’ toughest opponents in the AFC. Usually the home team wins in that rivalry so it’s important that the Patriots win out. That way, it limits Denver’s chances of getting home field advantage, which would be even more threatening to New England.

Kyle:  Get back to me on Monday; however, until then, the Broncos are definitely the biggest threat to the Patriots this year. They still possess an offense that can score quickly and often. They were sluggish early against Oakland, but they woke up and kicked the Raiders’ teeth in.The Colts are rising- they remind me of the late 80’s Pistons who needed to establish themselves by beating the Celtics, and wouldn’t be considered true championship contenders until they did. The Colts DESPERATELY need to beat the Patriots Sunday night. If they do beat the Pats, and this is their best chance- inside, at home, crowd noise pumped in- they might not lose to them for a long time.

Derek: I think Andrew Luck needs to get his first career win against Brady and Belichick before we can even start to think about having this argument.  Two losses and seven interceptions in two games does not equal a threat.  That’s not to say that the Patriots should be taking the Colts lightly on Sunday Night.  It’s going to be a barn burner.  However, Peyton Manning has eliminated Tom Brady from the playoffs the same number of times that Brady has eliminated Manning.  The Broncos are absolutely the bigger threat.