NFL Picks Week 15: New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos

The AFC showdown between the New England Patriots (10-3) and Denver Broncos (8-5) is the only game being talked about on the Las Vegas strip.

Oddsmakers opened up the visiting Patriots as 4.5-point favorites on Sunday evening and that line immediately climbed to six within minutes, while the total has settled in at 46.5.

The sports media has been focused on covering Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow all week, but New England Patriots signal-caller Tom Brady will be looking to gain revenge from a 20-17 loss that he suffered in his last trip to the Mile High City on Oct. 11, 2009.

Let's take a closer look at the most anticipated game of the weekend from a betting perspective.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos QB

If you've watched ESPN this week—then you would definitely write a letter to Bristol and recommend changing the network's name to Tebow TV.

It's literally amazing how much air time the second-year quarterback has received due to producing a 7-1 record as a starter this year.

Tim Tebow has made the Denver Broncos just the third team in NFL history to win six or more games in a row after starting a campaign with a 2-5 or worse record.

He will need to throw the ball Sunday to come out on top, facing a New England Patriots' defense that ranks last in the league in allowing 308.7 passing yards per game.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots QB

The sports media's infatuation with Tim Tebow has left little air time for last year's NFL MVP, but he probably doesn't mind.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady enters Sunday's contest with a dismal 1-6 career record against the Denver Broncos, which should supply extra motivation for the three-time Super Bowl champion.

He has thrown for 4,273 yards and 33 touchdowns with 11 interceptions this year, leading an offense that currently ranks second in the NFL in total yards.

There's no question that Brady will be ready for the raucous crowd that's expected at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

Denver Broncos Pass Rush

Denver Broncos rookie linebacker Von Miller is tied for the franchise mark in sacks (11.5) for a first-year player and should play an important role in determining a winner in this AFC affair.

The defense hasn't gotten the publicity it deserves due to the amount of coverage spent on Tebow, but the unit is tied for fourth in the NFL with 37 sacks on the season.

Miller and the rest of the stop unit will need to be aggressive and make things difficult for Brady in the pocket.

New England Patriots Defense

The New England Patriots much-maligned defense just allowed the Washington Redskins to gain 463 yards of offense last week.

Not exactly Super Bowl-type numbers for the second-choice in futures wagering to lift the Lombardi Trophy.

Linebacker Jared Mayo will play an important role in spying on Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, while also handling other responsibilities.

The defense will definitely be tested in the fourth quarter—no lead is safe against this week's opponent.

Denver Broncos Rushing Attack

The Denver Broncos rushing attack is No. 1 in the NFL in averaging 156.2 yards per game, but that production has climbed to 187.1 yards per contest over the past nine contests.

Quarterback Tim Tebow has definitely added another dimension in the backfield, while running back Willis McGahee is enjoying a solid campaign and averaging 5.5 yards per carry in the final 30 minutes of games this season.

New England sits 13th in the league in giving up 107.3 rushing yards per game.

New England Patriots Down the Stretch

The New England Patriots certainly know how to turn it on late in the season, coming in on a five-game win streak that includes a 34-27 win over the Washington Redskins as 7.5-point road favorites last week.

Since the start of the 2001 campaign, the franchise is a dominating 39-5 in December, including a 2-0 record this year.

The record is also a remarkable 19-2 in the final four games of the regular season since the 2006 season.

Tim Tebow's Fourth-Quarter Magic Show

NFL fans wouldn't dare to turn off their televisions Sunday in watching this contest, as Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow has been incredible in the final 15 minutes of games.

The second-year signal-caller has led the team on 17 scoring drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in the last nine games, owning the third-highest fourth-quarter passing rating (111.0) in the NFL—behind only Eli Manning (117.0) and Aaron Rodgers (112.6).

Fans should also follow this game closely on Twitter, as every sports writer in the country will be chiming in.

Revenge

Former Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels is no longer on the sidelines in the Mile High City, but his fist-pumping will never be forgotten by the New England Patriots.

The Patriots will definitely look to gain revenge from a 20-17 defeat that they suffered against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 11, 2009.

Bill Belichick never forgets.

Prediction

The New England Patriots have the opportunity to make a major statement in Sunday's marquee game, something that quarterback Tom Brady will likely deliver.

Denver leads the Oakland Raiders by one game in the AFC West division, but its opponent this weekend can clinch the AFC East with a victory.

Tim Tebow isn't beating Brady in the fourth quarter.

Prediction: New England Patriots 28, Denver Broncos 17