Sure, the Denver Broncos lost to the New England Patriots, 41-23, during the 2011 NFL regular season and have dropped two of the last three regular season games against them (the exception being Josh McDaniels fist-pumping post-victory celebration in 2009), but the team from the Mile High City has defeated the Patriots both times in the NFL Playoffs.
Related: NFL Playoffs Schedule
However, past performance doesn't indicate future results, of course. But for historical purposes, the Broncos faced the Patriots in a divisional game on Jan. 4, 1987 and defeated them, 22-17, at Mile High Stadium. John Elway was just 13-of-32 passing for 257 yards and two interceptions, but he also threw for and rushed for a touchdown. Two more field goals and a safety helped the Broncos prevail. Rulon Jones led the Broncos defense with two of the team's five sacks.
The other game came on, look at that, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006, the same date this week's game will take place on. The Broncos, though, were hosting that divisional game and won, 27-13.
Will history be as kind to the Broncos this time around?
For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on this game, visit Broncos blog Mile High Report and Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more coverage of the 2012 NFL Playoffs.