Sunday, October 18, 2020, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, 1 p.m. ET
Broncos at Patriots Betting Preview: Broncos (+9.5/-110), Patriots (-9.5/-110)
Denver Broncos
The Broncos (1-3) have been stuck in neutral since posting a 37-28 win over the New York Jets on Oct. 1, as their initially scheduled game against the Patriots last Sunday was postponed due to a positive COVID-19 test. The extra time appears to have given Denver’s quarterback carousel yet another turn. as Drew Lock (shoulder) appears poised to return under center after being a full participant in Wednesday’s practice.
While the second-year quarterback is trending toward playing, the same is not guaranteed for Melvin Gordon despite the star back rushing for a season-high 107 yards and two touchdowns against the Jets. Gordon could face discipline from both the Broncos and the league after he was charged Tuesday night with driving under the influence and speeding in downtown Denver.
Fellow running back Phillip Lindsay was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and hopes to return following a bout with turf toe. Defensively, Bradley Chubb registered a season-high 2.5 sacks versus New York and fellow linebacker Josey Jewell had a club-best 10 tackles and two sacks.
New England Patriots
The Patriots (2-2) may be stuck in neutral in terms of the standings, however they could get a running start if Cam Newton returns to practice as expected on Thursday. The former NFL MVP was removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday after sitting out New England’s 26-10 setback to Kansas City on Oct. 5.
Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry are in need of positive news after each was limited to just five catches over the last two games. Damien Harris, however, is looking to build off the momentum of his 100-yard performance against the Chiefs, while bruising running back Rex Burkhead has three touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) in his last two games.
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore hopes to return to action after testing positive for COVID-19. Defensive tackle Byron Cowart and practice-squad defensive tackle Bill Murray also tested positive, with the former’s status leading to the initial Broncos’ game being postponed.
Broncos at Patriots Betting Pick for Week 6
Are the Patriots going to fall below .500 in October or later for the first time since 2002? Or let’s try another approach. Are the Broncos going to defeat New England for the first time since Peyton Manning retired? Both questions are followed with the answer of no.
While the circumstances for the postponement are different than any other year, the end result is the same. Give Bill Belichick time to prepare for an opponent, the result tends to be in his favor.
Broncos at Patriots Betting Pick:
Patriots 34, Broncos 16
Broncos at Patriots Best Bet for Week 6
The Patriots’ offense will click if Newton is under center. If not, definitely take the under.
Broncos at Patriots Best Bet: Over 46 (-112)
