Patriots vs. Broncos: 6 Bold Predictions

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4. Malcolm Butler will have a pick-six

Butler’s stardom has been growing in recent weeks after shutting down Odell Beckham Jr. for most of the Week 10 game and suffocating Sammy Watkins in coverage last week. On Sunday night, Butler will cash-in on an errant Osweiler throw, taking it all the way back for his first career touchdown.

In coverage on Thomas, Butler will have another outstanding day. Don’t expect Thomas to produce more than 40 yards receiving with Butler breathing down his neck. As he displayed against Beckham Jr., Butler isn’t afraid of any No. 1 receiver and truly believes that he is an elite cornerback. Which, of course, he is.

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The interception will be a combination of a poor decision on Osweiler’s part to force the ball to Thomas and great anticipation and ball skills by Butler. Once he gets the ball secured in his mitts, Butler won’t look back, slicing his way through the Broncos and sliding by Osweiler at the goal line for the touchdown.

By showcasing not just his coverage ability but also his playmaking potential in front of a national television audience on Sunday Night Football, Butler will provide further evidence that he is a top-10 cornerback.

Next: 3. Career day for Brandon LaFell