Tim Tebow, Broncos Vs. Patriots Draw In Big TV Audience

VIDEO: Tim Tebow Runs Around And Around But Is Still Sacked

Patriots Vs. Broncos Final Score: New England Silences Tim Tebow For 41-23 Victory Over Denver

Tebow Time couldn't continue unabated for the rest of the season, and the New England Patriots put it to a temporary end on Sunday when they defeated Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos, 41-23. The Broncos put up a valiant fight, but Tom Brady and his tight end Aaron Hernandez were too much to handle.

The Broncos had actually jumped out to a 13-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Brady and the Patriots outscored the Broncos, 20-3, in the second quarter. The scoring died down in the second half, but the Patriots had 14 points to the Broncos' seven.

That Broncos score, predictably, was Tebow's second rushing touchdown of the day. He had a big 39-yard pass to Demaryius Thomas and then a 34-yard pass to Lance ball to set up the two-yard scoring run. Despite the loss, Tebow had one of his better game at quarterback this season, completing 11 of 22 passes for 194 yards. He rushed 12 times for 93 yards, the team's leading rusher.

Turnovers by Quan Cosby, Tim Tebow and Lance Ball all hurt the Broncos in the first half while penalties slowed the Broncos down in the second half.

The Denver Broncos, 8-6, remain in first place of the AFC West. They head to Orchard Park for a Christmas Eve showdown with the Buffalo Bills.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Brodrick Bunkley Injury: Denver Broncos DT Leaves Game Under Own Power

The Denver Broncos saw defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley leave the game late in the fourth quarter after he went down to the ground on a 2nd-and-goal stop. He wasn't moving fora little bit, but the team trainers came out and attended to him. He eventually got up under his own power. After attempting to jog his way off the field, Bunkley needed the help of the trainers to reach the sidelines.

The Broncos built depth at the position during August by signing Marcus Thomas and Ty Warren and trading for Bunkley. However, Warren tore a pectoral and was lost for the season back in August. Kevin Vickerson was lost for the season with an in-season injury.

Keep it here for more on Bunkley when his status is updated.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score: Tim Tebow Runs For TD, Readies Denver For Thrilling(?) Final Minutes

A 34-16 deficit in the fourth quarter for the Denver Broncos to overcome? Tim Tebow scoffs at those who believe he won't lead the comeback. He's already put one touchdown on the board in the final quarter, bringing the game to a 34-23 deficit.

Tebow found Demaryius Thomas for several big gains, but none more so than 39-yarder that put the ball at New England's 36-yard line. Then Tebow found Lance ball for a 34-yard pass to put the ball at the two-yard lune. Tebow followed with a two-yard run for his second rushing touchdown of the game.

With half of the quarter left, the Broncos still need at least two scores to win this game. Whether the team gets a touchdown, goes for two and then kicks a field goal or if it's just two touchdowns, don't count Tebow and the Broncos out just yet.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

ANIMATED: Elvis Dumervil Delivers Doom To Tom Brady

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score: New England Takes 34-16 Lead Over Denver Into Final Quarter

The second half between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots has seen far fewer points scored, but the Patriots do maintain a 34-16 lead going into the final quarter of play. Danny Woodhead had a 10-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter to put seven more points on the board for the Patriots.

The Broncos did get Willis McGahee back from his earlier leg injury, but he had just two carries for 11 yards. Tim Tebow is 6-of-11 for 84 yards and has 46 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Outside of the lost fumble he had in the second quarter, it's been a mostly good day for the second-year quarterback.

Will Tebow Time be able to send the Patriots to a defeat or has Tebow's clock stopped ticking this week?

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Willis McGahee Injury Update: Denver Broncos RB Returns In 2nd Half Vs. New England Patriots

Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee left Sunday's game against the New England Patriots with an injured leg and his return was probable. However, he didn't return to the game until the third quarter with the team losing, 27-16.

Before the injury, McGahee had five carries for 59 yards. He's had two carries for 11 yards for his returning, giving him 70 yards in total. The Broncos will need McGahee to establish that power running game in the second half to stay in this game. An 11 point deficit is by no means out of reach for the Broncos to overcome. However, Lance Ball's 64 yards  so far just don't appear to be enough to tip things back in favor of the Broncos.

There is slightly over two minutes left in the third quarter.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

VIDEO: Monkey Rides Dog At Halftime Of Patriots Vs. Broncos

Broncos Vs. Patriots Halftime Update: Turnovers Help Give Patriots 27-16 Halftime Advantage

One of the keys to the recent success for the Denver Broncos has been avoiding turning the ball over. In this matchup with the New England Patriots, the Broncos have witnessed the importance of taking care of the football, as three key fumbles have allowed the Patriots to jump out to a 27-16 halftime lead.

A strong start by Tim Tebow and the Broncos offense helped Denver jump out to an early 13-7 lead. However, since the strong start, the Patriots have controlled the game, using a dominant performance from Tom Brady to grab the lead. Brady completed 12/21 for 171 yards and 2 TD's in the opening half. Aaron Hernandez has been the primary weapon for the Patriots, with six catches for 81 yards.

The Broncos run game delivered in the opening half, as Willis McGahee and Lance Ball combined for 119 yards on just 13 carries. While Denver was able to get its rushing game going, Tebow only managed to throw for 68 yards against the struggling New England secondary. Demaryius Thomas was the main weapon for Tebow in the passing game, making three catches for 39 yards.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

ANIMATED: Tom Brady Spikes Ball Vs. Denver Broncos

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score: Tom Brady Puts New England In 24-16 Lead

Another turnover by the Denver Broncos has turned into more points for the New England Patriots, who now lead, 24-16, late in the second quarter. The Patriots gain the ball at the start of the third quarter, mind you.

Tim Tebow was sacked by Mark Anderson and stripped of the ball. Anderson recovered the ball at Broncos' 40-yard line. Working with the short field, Brady and the Patriots actually had a 4th-and-1 situation to overcome. They picked up 25 yards on a Brady to Aaron Hernandez reception. Brady, a few plays later, found the end zone on a sneak.

The score was reviewed, having been ruled a touchdown on the field. However, nothing on replay was able to convince the referee that Brady was down before he broke the goal line.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Broncos Vs. Patriots Score Update: New England Takes 17-16 Lead Over Denver

The New England Patriots are back in the lead against the Denver Broncos. Stephen Gostkowski kicked the ball through the upright for the 17-16 advantage.

The Patriots were in a position for that score as a result of a bad play by Broncos running back Lance Ball. Ball fumbled the ball on the  first play of a new drive and saw Rob Ninkovich recover the ball. The Patriots gained possession at the Broncos' 19-yard line.

Brady brought the ball to Denver's three-yard line, but on 3rd-and-3 Brady threw a bad pass to Aaron Hernandez and had to settle for the field goal.

On the next drive, Tebow fumbled the ball on a sack by Mark Anderson, giving the Patriots possession at the Broncos' 40-yard line. Will Brady strike again?

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score Update: Denver In 16-14 Lead Over New England Midway Through 2nd Quarter

The Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots don't know how to create immovable defenses on Sunday afternoon. Midway through the second quarter, the Broncos lead the Patriots, 16-14. The Patriots had the latest score when Tom Brady found Aaron Hernandez for a one-yard touchdown pass. At first, it appeared that the Patriots had scored a few plays earlier when Wes Welker caught a 21-yard strike from Tom Brady, but it turned out that he was down at the one-yard line and resulted in a gain of 19 and no touchdown.

Welker's non-score:

Denver reached New England's eight-yard line on the previous drive, but instead of going for it on 4th-and-1 there, John Fox elected to have Matt Prater kick a 26-yard touchdown, which was successful.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Andre Carter Injury: New England DE Carted Off With Leg Injury

With the New England Patriots already struggling to generate any sort of pass rush throughout the season, the last thing they could afford was another injury to the defensive line. However, it appears that the Patriots could be without Andre Carter for the forseeable future, as he had to be carted off with what appeared to be a lower leg injury:

@MaxBroncos: Looks bad for Andre Carter, whose father, Rubin, was a legendary component of the old Orange Crush as the NT. Putting no weight on his leg.

Carter has been outstanding for the Patriots this season, recording 52 tackles and a team-high 10 sacks. While the New England offense shouldn't have a problem moving the ball against Denver, the Patriots will need to find a way to generate some stops to win this game.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

PHOTO: Tim Tebow Lays Hands On Injured Andre Carter

Willis McGahee Injury: Denver Broncos RB Leaves With Leg Issue, Probable To Return

The Denver Broncos saw running back Willis McGahee leave the game with a leg injury, but he is probable to return, according to the team's official Twitter account. The training staff helped him by stretching out his legs, possibly indicating cramps -- at least according to the 850 KOA announcers. There is nothing official yet, but it doesn't look like a serious injury.

McGahee has five carries for 59 yards with several big runs of 19 and 29. However, Jeremiah Johnson and Lance Ball have already contributed greatly. Ball rushed 32 yards for a touchdown and Johnson picked up a 25 yards on the ground on one play during the opening drive of the game.

The Broncos are dominating on offense early on, quite different from past weeks.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score: Lance Ball Puts Denver In 13-7 Lead

The Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots appear to be having one of those games where we just throw defense out of the window. In the three drives in this game so far, the teams are a perfect 3-for-3 in scoring touchdowns. After Patriots took the 7-6 lead, the Broncos started the next drive with a 29-yard by Willis McGahee. Tim Tebow then threw his second pass of the day and found Demaryius Thomas for a 22-yard gain. Lance Ball then ran the ball 32 yards for the 13-7 lead.

Ball had a huge, gaping hole to run through there and was able to maneuver his way past Patriots defenders for the score. The play was reviewed to see if Ball was down before he broke the plane of the end zone, but it was upheld.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Score: Tim Tebow Scores Early, But Tom Brady Has New England In 7-6 Lead

The Denver Broncos received the ball to start the game when the New England Patriots deferred to the second half. Apparently Bill Belichick wanted to test Tim Tebow early, and Tebow answered with a nine-yard touchdown run for the early 6-0 lead. However, Tom Brady answered right back with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Chad Ochocinco for the 7-6 lead.

Tebow escapes pressure in the pocket, runs straight into the trenches and battles his way through the mess to get the nine-yard touchdown run. A 19-yard run by Willis McGahee and a 25-yard run by Jeremiah Johnson kept the drive going at a fast pace.

However, the extra point attempt was messed up and Denver was stuck with just the six points. Tebow was 1-of-1 on the drive with a seven-yard pass to running back Lance Ball.

Tom Brady answered right back on the Patriots' first drive with a 33-yard touchdown strike to Chad Ochocinco, who is starting in place of the injured Deion Branch.

Andre Goodman was badly beaten on that play, which isn't surprising given his body of work this season. Despite his performance of the last two weeks, he is plagued early by those early season mistakes.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: Brandon Spikes, Deion Branch Inactive Against Denver

In arguably the most anticipated game of the week, the Denver Broncos host the New England Patriots in a battle highlighted by two of the most controversial quarterbacks in the game, Tim Tebow and Tom Brady. The focus of the public will certainly be on those two as the game goes on, particularly given Denver's aspirations as a playoff team following a stunning run of late.

The Patriots recently announced their official inactives for the big game against the Broncos, which are posted here but shown below: 

- QB Ryan Mallett

- WR Deion Branch

- LB Brandon Spikes

- S Patrick Chung

- RB Shane Vereen

- OG Nick McDonald

- OT Sebastian Vollmer

The bigger names here are Spikes and Branch. Spikes started six games for the Patriots earlier this season but has battled injuries of late. Branch has had a nice year for New England as well, catching 48 balls for 665 yards and four touchdowns while starting each of the team's first 13 games.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: Brian Dawkins Leads Denver's Inactives Vs. New England

The Denver Broncos will be without safety Brian Dawkins for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. He injured his neck last week when his hit into teammate Robert Ayers on an attempted tackle. He missed practice on Wednesday before returning to limited participation on the final two days of the work week. Listed as questionable, he missed Saturday's walk through. Rookie safety Rahim Moore will start with rookie Quinton Carter at the other safety spot.

Here are the rest of the inactives:

#Broncos inactives: Dawkins, Bruton, Mohamed, Ramirez, Hills, J. Thomas & Harvey.

— Denver Broncos (@Denver_Broncos) December 18, 2011

David Bruton is also a safety, making the depth in the secondary quite thin. Mike Mohamed, Manny Ramirez, Tony Hills and Derrick Harvey comes as no surprise. Rookie tight end Julius Thomas has struggled and been affected by injuries this season.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

NFL Picks Week 15: ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown Crew Favors Denver Broncos, 3-2, Over New England Patriots

ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown had 30 minutes of Tim Tebow time on Sunday morning and at the end the five hosts had to choose between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots in Sunday's game. It came down in favor of the Broncos, 3-2.

Former Denver Broncos linebacker Tom Jackson took the Broncos. Mike Ditka went with the Broncos and didn't provide the reason. I guess he believes in what Tim Tebow is doing and just wants to take it all in for as long as it continues.

Chris Berman tipped the scales in favor of the Broncos, though his explanation as to why it would happen was in jest. We're not really going to see Tim Tebow perform a cornerback blitz on Tom Brady in overtime for the win. But we get the sentiment it was made in: expect the unexpected.

Keyshawn Johnson and Cris Carter aren't buying into Tim Tebow and the Broncos this weekend.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

VIDEO: Tim Tebow Skit On Saturday Night Live

Brian Dawkins Injury: Broncos Safety Unlikely To Play Vs. Patriots, According To Report

According to a report by NFL Network's Jeff Darlington, Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins, who is currently nursing an injured neck, is unlikely to suit up on Sunday vs. the New England Patriots. Darlington also reported that Dawkins did not participate in Denver's customary Saturday walk-through in anticipation of this week's game.

If Dawkins is indeed ruled out, back up Rahim Moore is expected to start in his place. The 38-year-old Dawkins has not missed a game this season, and has only missed five in his two-plus year tenure with the Broncos. With the Broncos going up against the Patriots' pass-heavy, two tight end offense this week, it isn't exactly great timing for Dawkins to miss a game or play with a severe injury.

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Patriots Vs. Broncos Odds Update: New England Favored By Nine Points On Game Day

The Denver Broncos are having a tough time convincing the odds makers that they have a good chance at making Sunday's game against the New England Patriots a competitive one. While the line opened at 4.5 points in favor of the Patriots, it has reached nine points on Sunday morning, according to Odds Shark. There haven't been any major injuries to the Broncos this week that would adversely change the pregame outlook, but safety Brian Dawkins and cornerback Andre Goodman are both questionable for the game. Tom Brady could exploit the situation if Chris Harris and Rahim Moore are sharing the secondary (safety David Bruton is also questionable for the game, leaving Rafael Bush the only backup beside Moore. That is, if Bush is active for the game).

The over/under for the game is still at 47 points and that will largely depend on how well Tim Tebow can direct the Broncos' offense. If Tebow can consistently put points on the board and the Broncos defense is able to bend and not break against Tom Brady, Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski.

Odds Shark has more Week 15 NFL odds and lines. For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: Time, TV Schedule, Radio And More

It's put up or shut up for Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos on Sunday afternoon when they welcome the New England Patriots into Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos are on a six-game winning streak and are 7-1 overall since Tebow took over as the starting quarterback. However, the Broncos have not faced a team like the New England Patriots during this great run. Even the Detroit Lions aren't the team that looked so good at the start of the season and then defeated the Broncos, 45-10, any longer.

The Broncos defense will need to have Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil disrupt Tom Brady and force him to throw too early if they hope to keep this game to within a reasonable score. If the defense is able to do that, Tebow should be able to pull off some late magic once again.

But maybe this game can finally be a good turning point for Tebow. Maybe it will be the one that sees Tebow play a complete game instead of just coming up big in the fourth quarter. However Tebow performs, a Broncos victory will put the Broncos one step closer to winning the AFC West (though they still need to wait to actually clinch the position).

Game Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 18; 2:15 p.m. MT

Location: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

TV Schedule
Local:CBS

Radio: 850 KOA

TV Distribution Map: The506.com

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

New England Patriots Injury Update: Five Players Downgraded To Out

The injury news for the New England Patriots wasn't good on Saturday afternoon, as five players were downgraded to out for their key matchup with the Denver Broncos. According to the New England Patriots Twitter page, key guys like Deion Branch, Brandon Spikes and Patrick Chung will not be taking the field on Sunday:

@realpatriots: Patriots announce 5 players downgraded to out: Patrick Chung, Shane Vereen, Brandon Spikes, Sebastian Vollmer & Deion Branch

There was some hope earlier in the week that Chung might take the field for the first time since November 6, but his foot injury will keep him out again. Spikes will also be missing his fifth straight game because of a knee injury. Branch, who was injured against the Washington Redskins last week, won't be able to take the field because of a groin injury. The injuries on the defensive side of the ball will be the most worrisome for the Patriots, as their secondary has struggled against the pass throughout the season.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Denver Broncos Roster Update: Kyle McCarthy Signed To Active Roster

With both Brian Dawkins and Andre Goodman getting nicked up in the Denver Broncos victory over the Chicago Bears last week, the Broncos elected to add some more depth to the secondary, as Kyle McCarthy was signed from the practice squad. According to the Denver Broncos Twitter page, Quinn Johnson was released to make room for McCarthy:

@Denver_Broncos: The #Broncos have signed S Kyle McCarthy to the active roster from the practice squad and waived FB Quinn Johnson.

McCarthy, who played his college football at Notre Dame, appeared in eight games last season for the Broncos, recording four tackles. McCarthy has made two appearances this season for Denver, with the most recent coming against the Minnesota Vikings. Johnson is in his fourth season in the NFL, with this being his first with the Broncos. He has also played for the Green Bay Packers and Tennessee Titans.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Patriots Vs. Broncos: New England LB Signs Five-Year Extension, According To Report

The Denver Broncos will face one of the league's better linebackers on Sunday when Jerod Mayo takes the field for the New England Patriots. The linebacker will also have a new five-year contract in hand, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Mayo was the 10th overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft and was playing in the penultimate year of his contract. He was scheduled to make $600,000 and $750,000 this year and next. No word on if the new five-year deal begins after this rookie contract ends or if it will replace the final year of that original deal.

Mayo has 68 tackles and two interceptions in 11 games this season, missing two due to a knee injury.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

New England Patriots Injury Update: Patrick Chung Unlikely To Play

New England Patriots fans can rest easy with the release of Friday's injury report. While quarterback Tom Brady and defensive lineman Vince Wilfork were both limited in practice on Friday due to personal reasons, they are not listed on the official report that came out in the afternoon.

However, defensive back Patrick Chung did not practice at all this week due to his foot injury and will miss his sixth straight game this season, as he is listed as doubtful. Tackle Sebastian Vollmer is the only other player listed as doubtful.

Thirteen other players are listed as questionable, including wide receives Deion Branch and Wes Welker, running back Danny Woodhead and linebacker Brandon Spikes. Spikes was a teammate of Tim Tebow's while in college at Florida.

Here is the full report:

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Denver Broncos Injury Report, Week 15: Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman Excepted To Play

The Denver Broncos have released their Week 15 Injury Report:

Questionable

David Bruton
Andre Goodman
Brian Dawkins

Probable

Eddie Royal
Von Miller
Spencer Larsen

According to Lindasy Jones of the Denver Post, the defensive back duo of Brian Dawkins and Andre Goodman should be healthy enough to play on Sunday against the New England Patriots.

Dawkins, who is recovering from a neck injury, and Goodman, the starting cornerback dealing with concussion issues, have both played in every Broncos game this season. Goodman and the Broncos' other starting cornerback, All-Pro Champ Bailey, lead the team with two interceptions each, while Dawkins has one fumble forced and 3.0 sacks on his account.

The Broncos also appear likely to have the services of rookie LB Von Miller, who leads the team with 11.5 sacks.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Tom Brady, Vince Wilfork Limited In New England Patriots' Friday Practice Due To 'Personal' Reasons

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is usually tight-lipped about injuries when it comes to his players, and it's been no different this week with star players Tom Brady and Vince Wilfork. They were limited in practice on Friday due to "personal reasons," reports Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald.

When asked to elaborate on the non-injuries, Belichick wound up playing obfuscation with the media, saying that if it was injury-related then it would be listed that way on the report. But it isn't. Instead, he told reporters to ask the players for the personal reasons that had them limited in practice.

Brady and Wilfork are still expected to start against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, so Belichick is just enjoying a game here.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Week 15 NFL Lines And Odds Update: Broncos Vs. Patriots

The Denver Broncos have the Patriots right were they want them. There is no doubt quarterback Tim Tebow has thrived as an underdog so far this season, and it appears people are still doubting his ability to get the job done in Week 15 against the New England Patriots. After the Broncos opened as 4.5 point home underdogs to Tom Brady and the Patriots, New England has now swelled to a 7.5 favorite to win on Sunday.

The only Broncos player to miss practice on Thursday was safety David Bruton, and although Brian Dawkins was limited, it still doesn't do much to explain the 8-5 Broncos becoming 7.5 point underdogs at home. Perhaps the real reason is that people think the defense will falter and Tebow won't be able to keep pace on offense. The over/under for the game opened at 46.5 points, and has only shifted slightly to 46 since then. The Patriots offense has been hard for anyone to stop this season, but their defense hasn't exactly inspired confidence with their performances. Once again, it should be a very compelling matchup for NFL fans.

Odds Shark has more Week 15 NFL odds and lines. For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Week 15 NFL Picks: ESPN Panelists Choose New England Patriots Over Denver Broncos

As many believers as Tim Tebow has picked up in recent weeks, it really hasn't turned many in favor of the Denver Broncos for this week's game against the New England Patriots. The Patriots are the first real test the Broncos have had since they lost to the Detroit Lions at the end of October. And that probably plays into why eight out of 10 participants on ESPN's pick'em panel have selected the Patriots to defeat the Denver Broncos.

Eric Allen and Chris Mortensen are the two guys who go out on a limb this week for the Broncos. Surely those two must believe that Tim Tebow will be able to do more than Tom Brady in delivering a victory in this game. Or something.

If Tebow/Denver Broncos time comes to an end anytime soon, there should be no shame in falling to the Patriots. We can't expect Tebow to never lose another game.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

New England Patriots Injury Report, Week 15: Wes Welker Limited On Thursday

The New England Patriots have quite a few players banged up as they prepare to travel to Denver to face the Broncos on Sunday. Wide receivers Wes Welker and Deion Branch were among 12 New England players limited in Thursday's practice due to injury.

The other players limited by injury: guard Dan Connelly, wide receiver Julian Edelman, linebacker Dane Fletcher, defensive backs James Ihedigbo and Devin McCourty, wide receiver Matthew Slater, linebacker Brandon Spikes, running back Shane Vereen, center Ryan Wendell and running back Danny Woodhead.

Quarterback Tom Brady and nose tackle Vince Wilfork also were limited, but for reasons not related to injury.

Free safety Pat Chung and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer were unable to practice for the second consecutive day.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Broncos Injury Report, Week 15: Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman Return To Practice

The Denver Broncos (8-5) invite the New England Patriots (10-3) this Sunday, looking to expand their winning streak to 7 games. The Broncos have several key players on the mend, and Thursday's injury report looks good for Broncos fans:

Did Not Practice

S David Bruton (achilles)

Limited Practice

S Brian Dawkins (neck)
CB Andre Goodman (concussion)

Full Participation

FB Spencer Larsen (hamstring)
LB Von Miller (thumb)
WR Eddie Royal (concussion)

Von Miller currently leads the team with 11.5 sacks and appears to be a strong candidate for the 2011 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Though he has struggled with injuries much of the season, Miller has only missed one game, the Bronco's Week 13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

The Broncos secondary also continues to mend: Starting strong safety Brian Dawkins has not missed any games yet this season despite being listed on the injury report most every week. Meanwhile, starting CB Andre Goodman, who has likewise played every game this year, has two interceptions and a pick six in the 2011 season.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Week 15 NFL Picks And Predictions: Peter King Picks New England Patriots Over Denver Broncos

Apparently Tebow Time is going to stop ticking this week, at least according to Sports Illustrated's Peter King. In his Week 15 NFL picks post, King predicts a 27-16 Patriots victory. Why? The Patriots are going to be able to score early and often against the Broncos defense, which will put the game out of hand early. Tim Tebow won't be able to overcome that big of a deficit in the fourth quarter.

But King does believe magic could happen for Tebow. And if there's one thing we know about Tebow, it's that there is magic, or whatever you call it, in the air when he plays. Until he loses, how can we doubt (and let's avoid Doubting Thomas comments)?

But even if King's scenario comes true, the loss wouldn't be disastrous for the team based on the rest of the selection. King sees the Kansas City Chiefs losing to the Green Bay Packer (obviously), the Oakland Raiders falling to the Detroit Lions (it's an extremely tough matchup) and the San Diego Chargers losing a close one to the Baltimore Ravens. The Broncos still remain in the AFC West lead.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: Brian Dawkins, Andre Goodman Return To Practice

After missing Wednesday's practice, Denver Broncos defensive backs Brian Dawkins and Andre Goodman returned to practice on Thursday afternoon, according to the Denver Broncos Twitter account. The only other player who missed Wednesday's practice, David Bruton, was at practice, but he did not participate.

Goodman passed his concussion tests and made it back to the practice field while Dawkins' neck injury has allowed him on the field, too. However, it is unknown right now how much participation they will throughout the rest of the day. It is likely that they both will be limited on the full injury report.

There are no reports of new injuries, so the Broncos are looking at being in decent shape against the New England Patriots.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Week 15 NFL Picks: CBS Sports Experts Prefer New England Patriots Over Denver Broncos

After a one week respite from being the underdog, the Denver Broncos are back in that position once again with the arrival of the New England Patriots in the Mile High City. The odds makers don't favor the Broncos and it's likely the NFL experts from all the major media outlets aren't pulling for Denver either.

Over at CBS Sports, four out of the five panelists select the Patriots to win a straight pick'em over the Broncos. Will Brinson is the man who goes out on a limb. However, when we look at the group of five's selection based on the spread things change in favor of the Broncos. Dave Richard and Clark Judge both switch to switch to the Broncos because they believe 6.5 points is too much for the Patriots to cover.

The Broncos keep proving wrong those who pick against them. Is this week going to be any different?

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

New England Patriots Injury Report: Patrick Chung Held Out Of Wednesday Practice

Fresh off a remarkable comeback victory over the Chicago Bears, the Denver Broncos are set for what may be the stiffest test Tim Tebow has faced in his young pro career: a visit from Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. Tebow has been able to summon his magic to lead Denver to victory each of the last six weeks, but Brady and the Pats are an entirely different animal. New England enters on a five-game winning streak of its own, and will mostly be healthy. Safety Patrick Chung is the lone major injury concern for New England. The 24-year old pro out of Oregon did not practice on Wednesday. Here's the rest of the list.

Did Not Participate

S Patrick Chung - Foot

OT Sebastian Vollmer - Back/Foot

Limited Participation

CB Kyle Arrington  -  Foot

WR Deion Branch - Groin

WR Wes Welker - Knee

WR Julian Edelman - Back

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Mile High Report, SB Nation's Denver Broncos blog. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Denver Broncos Injury Report: Brian Dawkins Misses Practice; Von Miller Looks To Disrupt New England Patriots Offense

The Denver Broncos had three players missing from Wednesday's practice. Safeties David Burton and Brian Dawkins both sat out the day, the latter having injured his neck when he hit his neck into the back of teammate Robert Ayers. Andre Goodman missed practice because he has yet to pass his concussion tests.

Rookie linebacker Von Miller should be good to go against the New England Patriots. He had a full practice on Wednesday and hasn't had any issues with his surgically-repaired thumb. Spencer Larsen also had a full practice after hurting his hamstring.

Wide receiver Eddie Royal was limited in practice as he comes back from a concussion.

Not listed, running back Willis McGahee appears to be fully over his knee injury from last week.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Mile High Report, SB Nation's Denver Broncos blog. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Broncos Vs. Patriots: New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick Impressed With Tim Tebow

With the New England Patriots set to travel to Denver this weekend to face the Broncos, it's not surprising that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was asked about quarterback Tim Tebow during his press conference on Wednesday. In his remarks, Belichick complimented Tebow and disagreed with the notion that he's an inconsistent passer:

The Patriots defense, which ranks last in the NFL in total defense, is giving up over 300 yards per game through the air.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Mile High Report, SB Nation's Denver Broncos blog. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Week 15 NFL Picks And Predictions: New England Patriots Out To Put A Dent Into Denver Broncos' Playoff Push

Should the Denver Broncos win out in its final three games of the regular season, the team won't need to worry about dealing with any tiebreaker situations in the AFC West. Eleven wins on the season puts the Broncos one game ahead of the Oakland Raiders, who can only reach 10 wins this season. But the Broncos are going to have a tough test against the New England Patriots this week.

Here are some predictions for this weekend's AFC West games:

Green Bay Packers (13-0) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (5-8), 11:00 a.m. MT: Let's see: the Chiefs just fired head coach Todd Haley, are going with Romeo Crennel (who had a tough go of things with the Cleveland Browns and might just start rookie quarterback Ricky Stanzi. That's going to knock off the undefeated Packers? I doubt it. PICK: PACKERS

Detroit Lions (8-5) vs. Oakland Raiders (7-6), 2:05 p.m. MT: The Raiders enter this game on a two-game losing streak while the Lions just stopped its own two-game losing streak. This is a toss-up essentially, which the odds makers also see. The Broncos are going to sweat for just a bit longer. PICK: RAIDERS

New England Patriots (10-3) vs. Denver Broncos (8-5), 2:15 p.m. MT: Until Tim Tebow loses another game, let's just sit back and expect him to lead thrilling fourth quarter comebacks. But let's hope we don't have heart attacks in the process PICK: BRONCOS

Baltimore Ravens (10-3) vs. San Diego Chargers (6-7), 6:20 p.m. MT: Sure, this game has playoff implications, and yes, CBS would lose plenty of money without Tim Tebow taking on the New England Patriots on its network, but it would be a pretty good upset if the Chargers beat the No. 2 team in the league.  PICK: RAVENS

For more on this game, visit Patriots blog Pats Pulpit and Broncos blog Mile High Report. Check out SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Denver Broncos Sign Tony Carter From Practice Squad, Waive Kyle McCarthy

Three Denver defensive backs had to leave Sunday's game against Chicago, including cornerback Andre Goodman and safety Brian Dawkins. Goodman suffered a concussion and may not have to sit for long, but the Broncos made a couple of transactions on Tuesday to prepare for his potential absence:

With cornerback Andre' Goodman's availability in question for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, the Broncos signed cornerback Tony Carter from their practice squad today.

To make room for Carter on the 53-man roster, the team waived safety Kyle McCarthy.

Carter appeared in two games for the Broncos in 2009 and two games for the New England Patriots in 2010. He has four tackles in his career.

Additionally, the team waived rookie linebacker Derek Domino.

For more updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Mile High Report, SB Nation's Denver Broncos blog. For news from around the NFL, visit SB Nation's NFL news hub.

Week 15 NFL Lines And Odds: Patriots Vs. Broncos

The Denver Broncos are on a six-game winning streak, but the New England Patriots, on its own five-game winning streak, are favored by six points on the early line.

NFL Schedule Week 15: Broncos Vs. Patriots Will Not Be Flexed

After rumors of an apparent quarrel between networks for broadcast rights, it's been revealed that CBS will retain its rights to broadcast the Denver Broncos-New England Patriots game on Dec. 18.

NFL Schedule 2011, Week 15: New England Patriots Vs. Denver Broncos Could Be Flexed To Sunday Night

The NFL might flex its schedule on Dec. 18 and have the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots move to Sunday Night Football.