NFL Playoff Picks: Predicting Score, Result for Broncos vs. Patriots

Tim Tebow is all over the news this week after leading his Denver Broncos to a 29-23 overtime win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

This week, though, Tebow will take his team to Foxboro to take on the AFC's top seed, the New England Patriots. I expect the second-year quarterback's magical season to end on Saturday.

These two teams met in Denver in Week 15, and the Patriots slammed the Broncos 41-23 to end their six-game winning streak. I don't expect things to be much different this time around. 

New England quarterback Tom Brady had another outstanding season in 2011.

The 34-year-old completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 5,235 yards, with 39 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His quarterback rating of 105.6 ranked third in the NFL. 

The Patriots offense has been stellar this season, ranking second in the NFL in total yardage, averaging 428.0 yards per game. That has meant that the team's defense hasn't had to be stellar, but it has improved as the year has gone along. 

While Denver may be able to move the ball on New England, it is highly unlikely that the the Broncos will be able to stop the Patriots.

Denver finished the year ranked 20th in total defense, allowing 357.8 yards per game and 231.5 passing yards per game. In Week 15, Brady and company racked up 451 yards against the Broncos. I can't think of a reason why things would change.

If the Broncos can keep things close then Tebow might be able to pull off some late-game magic, but therein lies the rub.

I simply don't think Denver can contain the Patriots' high-powered offense, or keep up with them in a shootout.

While following Tebow this season has certainly been entertaining, I just don't see his year continuing after this weekend.

New England 45, Denver 24