Patriots vs. Broncos: 6 Bold Predictions

Jim O’Connor-USA TODAY Sports

3. Brandon LaFell will have best game of his career

Julian Edelman is out for the rest of the regular season. Aaron Dobson was recently placed on the injured reserve.  Danny Amendola’s status for Sunday night is still up in the air, as is that of Keshawn Martin. In other words, the Patriots are paper-thin at wideout, in case you haven’t heard.

Essentially, the only two remaining receivers are LaFell and undrafted rookie Chris Harper. Expect Tom Brady to rely more on the trusty veteran than the unproven rookie (although Harper is a very good player, and he should see plenty of opportunities in this game).

LaFell’s best performance came last season against the Chicago Bears when he nabbed 11 passes (on 11 targets) for 124 yards and a touchdown. On Sunday night, LaFell will find himself on the receiving end of 10 passes from Brady, which he will convert into 150 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns.

You may be wondering exactly how LaFell will have so much success against Aqib Talib, his likely matchup. Well, the Patriots’ passing attack will benefit from the play-action as a result of Blount’s big day on the ground, and because Rob Gronkowski requires a double team, safety T.J. Ward will have his attention elsewhere. Brady has enough experience playing against Talib and working with LaFell to torch the former Patriots’ cornerback in this matchup.

Next: 2. Brady will be sacked just once