LAS VEGAS - The Broncos endured their second loss in three games during last Sunday’s 24-17 setback against the Jacksonville Jaguars as three-point home favorites. It was the fourth straight week the Broncos failed to cover the spread, lowering their pointspread mark to 1-4-1.

Though the combined 41 points ducked ‘under’ the 48 ½-point closing total, the ‘over’ is still 4-2 in Denver’s first six outings.

It was the fourth time in six contests this season that Denver has surrendered at least 24 points. The Broncos have also allowed at least 32 points in three consecutive games.

Denver quarterback Jay Cutler continues to be effective, with at least one touchdown pass in each game and a 94.8 passer rating. Despite another solid effort last week, Cutler failed to reach 200 yards for the first time this season, completing 21 of 37 passes for 192 yards, two TDs and one interception.

Denver is also dealing with uncertainty at running back. Selvin Young sat out the Jacksonville game due to a groin injury, and rookie Ryan Torain has to yet to play in the regular season while he recovers from a broken bone in his left elbow.

Eleven-year veteran Michael Pittman filled in admirably for Young last week, gaining 109 yards on 20 carries for his first 100-yard effort since he was with Tampa Bay during the 2005 campaign.

Big plays have also plagued Denver's defense, which is yielding an AFC-worst 6.24 yards per play. The Broncos have allowed 400 or more total yards three times this season, including 416 in last week's loss to Jacksonville.

Since losing reigning league MVP Tom Brady to a season-ending knee injury in the first quarter of their opener, the Patriots have shown little resemblance to the team that posted the first 16-0 regular season in NFL history in 2007.

Led by career backup Matt Cassel, the offense has struggled to move the ball, scoring 20 points or more just once in five games.

Sammy Morris rushed for the Patriots' only touchdown during Sunday's 30-10 loss to the San Diego Chargers, a 1-yard run with 5:18 remaining that accounted for the final score in the contest.

The Pats failed to cover as six-point road underdogs, dropping their pointspread mark to 2-3. The combined 40 points dipped ‘under’ the 45-point closing total, enabling the ‘under’ to improve to 3-2.

Cassel completed 22 of 38 passes for 203 yards, but got intercepted for the third consecutive week and was sacked four times. He has shown a lack of mobility in the pocket, as his 19 sacks are the most among AFC quarterbacks.

Cassel also isn't getting much help from a running game which has yet to produce a 100-yard individual effort. Starter Laurence Maroney sat out for the third time this season due to a shoulder injury last week. His status for Monday is uncertain.

The defense has also had problems, yielding 89 points while losing two of the last three games. Big plays are proving to be an Achilles' heel for New England, which is allowing 5.92 yards per play - 27th in the NFL.

Denver won at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 24, 2006, overcoming a 320-yard effort from Brady to beat the Pats as a 6 ½-point road underdog, 17-7. The combined 24 points went ‘under’ the 38-point closing total. Nevertheless, the ‘over’ is 7-3 in the last 10 series meetings.

Including playoff matchups, the Broncos have won 16 of the last 19 meetings between these original AFL franchises. In addition, the Broncos are 7-3 ATS in the last 10 series meetings.

TREDNS: The Pats are 1-7 ATS in their last eight games versus AFC teams, 0-7 ATS in their last seven home games and 2-9 ATS in their last 11 overall outings. The Broncos are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 contests versus teams with a winning record and 1-5 ATS in their last six road encounters.

October 19, 2008