New England Patriots at Denver Broncos: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 16 game

The Denver Broncos (7-7) playoff hopes are slipping away, but they have a chance to keep fighting for a Christmas miracle against the New England Patriots (3-11).

Denver's sparkling streak went through another bump in the road last week in a 42-17 loss to the Detroit Lions. Jared Goff threw five touchdowns against a defense that seemed to get some footing leading into the matchup. The Broncos offense was outperformed 448 yards to 287 and Courtland Sutton didn't score for only the fourth time this season.

Bill Belichick officially tied the most losses he's ever posted in a season as the Patriots dropped last week's game 27-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs. Bailey Zappe threw for 180 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Despite intercepting Patrick Mahomes twice, New England couldn't match the defending Super Bowl champions' energy.

Will the Broncos get the home win? Or will Belichick rally his troops for the upset?

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Broncos vs. Patriots odds, moneyline, over/under

The Broncos are favorites to defeat the Patriots, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023, including the new ESPN BET app.

• Spread: Broncos (-7)
• Moneyline: Broncos (-350); Patriots (+275)
• Over/under: 34.5

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NFL Week 16 odds, predictions and picks

Rams vs. Saints | Steelers vs. Bengals | Chargers vs. Bills | Falcons vs. Colts | Panthers vs. Packers | Texans vs. Browns | Vikings vs. Lions | Jets vs. Commanders | Titans vs. Seahawks | Buccaneers vs. Jaguars | Bears vs. Cardinals | Dolphins vs. Cowboys | Broncos vs. Patriots | Chiefs vs. Raiders | Eagles vs. Giants | 49ers vs. Ravens

Lorenzo Reyes: Broncos 21, Patriots 20

The Patriots' offense has proven it is far more capable with Bailey Zappe under center. The Broncos should come away with the victory, but their blowout loss against the Lions raised some concerns on defense. When it comes down to it, this is simply a number I think is too big for Denver to clear.

Tyler Dragon: Broncos 21, Patriots 17

Bill Belichick has never lost 12 games in a season. He will this year, and it's likely to happen Sunday in primetime. Will the Broncos make a playoff push? Denver’s last three games are against teams below .500. The Broncos likely need to win out to reach the postseason.

Safid Deen: Broncos 24, Patriots 10

It’s so great NBC banished this game to NFL Network to save Christmas Eve. Anyways, the Broncos should win big at home, and trek their way into the playoffs in their final three games. 

Victoria Hernandez: Broncos 24, Patriots 13

Despite dropping two of their last three games, the Broncos should win this pretty easily. They’re playing at home with a playoff spot on the line and the Patriots are just awful. So awful that it’s the worst season in Bill Belichick’s illustrious career.

Jordan Mendoza: Broncos 16, Patriots 10

Denver is sort of an enigma at the moment, never sure which team will show up each week. New England is still a shaky offense, and the Broncos defense has been harder to play at Mile High. They put the clamps down for another home win.

You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.

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