NFL Playoff Bracket 2012: Breaking Down Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots

Let's quickly preview the divisional round matchup between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots, which will be played Saturday night in New England. 

When the Broncos have the ball

Despite Tim Tebow's 316 passing yards on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Broncos are a run-heavy offense that relies on Tebow to effectively execute zone-option reads. The offense has done well over the second half of the season. Running back Willis McGahee rushed for nearly 1,200 yards during the regular season despite battling injuries, and Tebow added almost 700 after taking over the reins from Kyle Orton midseason. 

When teams put eight or nine men in the box, like the Steelers did often Sunday, Denver will attempt throws down the field. More often than not, the offense sees man-to-man coverage. There have been opportunities for big plays in the passing game, but Tebow has only begun taking advantage through the air.

Still, everything the Broncos want to do is set up through the run game. Denver led the NFL in rushing at over 160 yards a game, and they'll need a big effort Saturday to move the football and help keep Tom Brady on the sidelines.    

When the Patriots have the ball

This is Tom Brady's offense, and for good reason. He has such a handle on the gameplan every week that things appear almost effortless on Sundays. It helps to have versatile targets like Rob Gronkowski, Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez available, too.

Welker is as trusted a receiver as there is in the game, and no team has found an answer for Gronkowski, who had 18 total touchdowns this season. Hernandez had an injury early but can also be a nightmare matchup.

In the first matchup between the two teams, Brady imposed his will. After Denver went up 16-7, Brady calmly led the Patriots to 27 straight points.

If Brady doesn't turn the ball over on Sunday, it's hard to see the Broncos having enough firepower to hang with New England for 60 minutes.