The Broncos head to Foxboro for the first time since 1996 looking to continue their winning ways in this meeting between the last three AFC representatives in the Super Bowl.

Including playoffs, the Broncos own a 21-12 overall edge in this rivalry (including a 22-17 win in the '86 AFC Divisional Playoffs at Mile High Stadium in the lone postseason meeting between the teams) and have prevailed in the last 11 battles, including a 27-21 win a year ago (Week 1) on a Monday night at Mile High Stadium.

The Broncos have won three straight at Foxboro dating back to 1991 (by a combined score of 80-19), the Patriots' last victory in this series a 23-14 Monday night victory at New England in 1980.

Numbers: Including playoffs (1997-99), the Broncos are 34-2 when they total more rushing attempts than their opponent, 1-8 when Denver's opponent totals more rushing attempts. The Broncos have scored 30 or more points in 37-of-78 games under head coach Mike Shanahan (1995-99). They have forced two or more turnovers in four straight games.

Including playoffs, the Patriots have outscored the opposition a combined 639-358 points in 24 wins, and have been outscored a combined 419-240 points in 17 losses dating back to '97. The Patriots have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in four straight games. They have five turnovers in four wins, six turnovers in two losses in '99.

Things To Look For: From unbeaten to snake-bitten, the Patriots have let a pair of very winnable games get away from them the last two weeks, and now must deal with a revived Broncos' club that has had their way in this series. There's still enough time for Mike Shanahan's team to make a run at the postseason, and there's even more time for Pete Carroll's team to let a once-promising start quickly slip away.

Etc.: The Broncos are 3-6 in their last nine regular-season contests dating back to '98. Since 1984 (including playoffs), the Patriots are 9-24 vs. AFC West opponents (1-1 in playoffs).