New England Patriots vs Denver Broncos: Game 9 Preview and Prediction

1. Rob Gronkowski
2. LaAdrian Waddle
3. Trey Flowers

The Broncos have struggled against tight ends this season and New England needs to highlight Rob Gronkowski in the game plan to exploit that weakness early and often. Gronkowski has had just one game with 100 yards receiving this season and had just eight catches for 108 yards in his last two games combined before the bye week.

One of the biggest match-up problems for any offense when playing Denver is blocking All-Pro edge rusher Von Miller. Miller is a beast with every pass rush move in his arsenal and speed, quickness and power. The Patriots will be without starting right tackle Marcus Cannon due to an ankle injury and the job of blocking Miller falls to LaAdrian Waddle.

Waddle filled in for Cannon earlier in the season against the Texans and surprisingly held his own against J.J. Watt. Against the Chargers he came on for Cannon in the second quarter and allowed just one sack to Joey Bosa. It will not be easy, but Waddle needs to be at the top of his game on Sunday night.

Finally, New England needs a strong performance from edge rusher Trey Flowers. Flowers is easily the best pass rusher on the team and he often is deployed along the line taking away from his top skill set. He needs to generate pressure and not allow Brock Osweiler to make easy throws from a clean pocket.