The Denver (1-3) will take on the New England Patriots (2-2) on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 11:00 a.m. MT in Week 6 of the 2020 NFL season. Here’s our preview of the AFC showdown.

Broncos’ keys to victory: After the NFL moved this game back a week, QB Drew Lock will have more time to recover. He missed Denver’s last three games with a shoulder injury. Lock might be a little rusty and he won’t want to overwork his right throwing shoulder so the Broncos will need to rely on their rushing attack against the Patriots. Denver has a great backfield duo with RBs Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay, who should be able to wear down New England’s front seven. When the Broncos do throw, Lock should look to TE Noah Fant, who is recovering from an ankle injury but might be able to return on Sunday after sitting out practice last week. On defense, the Broncos need OLBs Bradley Chubb and Malik Reed to generate pressure and disrupt the Patriots’ passing game. Denver’s pass rushers have totaled 10 sacks through four games.

The new addition of Inman coupled with the jettisoning of smaller slot receiver Bruce Ellington underscored that the Patriots want to be bigger across the board at the receiver spot this year. Fantasy Football position vs. Defensive stats from CBSSports.com.

What Is A Slot Receiver

Patriots’ keys to victory: If QB Cam Newton is cleared to play, New England can continue to rely on its efficient rushing attack against the Broncos. In a contest that could turn out to be a defensive struggle, the Patriots will need to establish a strong running game to frustrate Denver’s defense and keep the Broncos’ offense off the field. On defense, New England should stack the box to shut down Gordon and Lindsay. Lock’s shoulder injury might limit his throwing ability so the Patriots should sell out on stopping the run. When the Buccaneers held Denver to 42 rushing yards in Week 3, the Broncos’ offense was stifled, scoring just 10 points. The Patriots will aim to execute a similar game plan.

Matchup to watch: Patriots WR Julian Edelman vs. Broncos CB Bryce Callahan. Edelman is still one of the best slot receivers in the league and Callahan will likely cover him for most of Sunday’s game. Edelman has hauled in 60% of his targets this season and Callahan has allowed a 69.2% completion percentage to opposing QBs this year.

Patriots Receivers 2011

Former Patriots Slot Receiver

Who wins? Denver has lost two of its last three games against New England and the Broncos haven’t beaten the Patriots since Peyton Manning retired. New England will look to keep that streak alive while out-rushing Denver in a run-heavy, low-scoring game. Patriots 17, Broncos 13.

Slot Receivers Vs Patriots