Broncos–Patriots rivalry

Denver Broncos–New England Patriots

Patriots' quarterback Matt Cassel attempting a pass in a 2008 game against the Broncos
Denver Broncos New England Patriots
First meeting	September 9, 1960 Broncos 13, Patriots 10
Latest meeting	December 18, 2016 Patriots 16, Broncos 3
Next meeting	November 12, 2017
Statistics
Meetings total	52 meetings (including playoffs)
All-time series	Broncos, 30–22
Regular season series	Broncos, 26–21
Postseason results	Broncos, 4–1 Most recent January 24, 2016 Broncos 20, Patriots 18
Longest win streak	Broncos, 11 Patriots, 4
Current win streak	Patriots, 1 wins (2016–present)
Championship success
Super Bowl Championships (8) DEN (3) – 1997 (XXXII), 1998 (XXXIII), 2015 (50) NE (5) – 2001 (XXXVI), 2003 (XXXVIII), 2004 (XXXIX), 2014 (XLIX), 2016 (LI) Conference Championships (17) DEN (8) – 1977, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2013, 2015 NE (9) – 1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2016

The Broncos–Patriots rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots (they were called the Boston Patriots until 1971).

History

The Broncos and Patriots met twice annually during the American Football League (AFL) years from 1960–69, and played in the first-ever AFL game on September 9, 1960.^[1] Since 1995, the two teams have met frequently during the regular season, including nine consecutive seasons from 1995–2003.^[2] As of the end of the 2015 season, the two teams have met in the playoffs five times, with the Broncos owning a 4–1 record.^[3] The teams' first playoff match on January 4, 1987 was John Elway's first career playoff win,^[4] while the teams' second playoff match on January 14, 2006 game was the Broncos' first playoff win since Elway's retirement after the 1998 season.^[5] The game was also notable for Champ Bailey's 100-yard interception that resulted in a touchdown-saving tackle by Benjamin Watson at the 1-yard line.^[6] On October 11, 2009, the two teams met with former Patriots' offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels as the Broncos' head coach. Both teams wore their AFL 50th anniversary jerseys.^[7] The game featured a 98-yard drive in the fourth quarter, with a game-tying touchdown pass from Kyle Orton to Brandon Marshall, followed by an overtime drive led by Orton that resulted in a 41-yard game-winning field goal by Matt Prater.^[8] The two teams met in the Divisional round of the 2011 playoffs, with the Patriots blowing out Tim Tebow and the Broncos by a score of 45–10.^[9] The Broncos' rivalry with the Patriots later intensified when longtime Indianapolis Colts' quarterback Peyton Manning became the Broncos' starting quarterback from 2012–15. Manning and Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady maintained a legendary rivalry from 2001^[10] until Manning's retirement after the 2015 season.^[11] Though Brady dominated Manning in regular season play, winning nine of twelve meetings, Manning won three of five playoff meetings, the last of which was a Broncos' 20–18 win in the 2015 AFC Championship.^[12]

Game results

All-time results^[13]

1960s Patriots (10–8)

1970s Broncos (2–1)

1980s Broncos (5–1)

1990s Broncos (6–1)

2000s Broncos (6–3)

2010s Patriots (6–3)

References