The Bigger Threat

[MainePatsFan26]

For the first four weeks this season, we've been assuming that the Broncos are the biggest threat to the Patriots in the AFC. This felt especially true after Philadelphia destroyed Pittsburgh. Now, however, Pittsburgh is starting to look like a real contender and the Broncos laid an egg.

With the first five weeks complete, do you think the Broncos or Steelers -- when both are healthy -- are the bigger threats to the Patriots in the AFC? The Bills are also lurking in the division, but let's keep this about top dogs in the respective divisional races.

 

[Brady2Gronk]

Steelers because they can actually put up a lot of points.

 

[BradyFTW!]

I still think the Broncos are the bigger threat. The Steelers can score on anyone, but I have lots of confidence in the Pats' ability to go score-for-score with any loaded offense. Denver matches up better against us IMO because their pass rush and secondary, when it's on, can really disrupt our passing game.

It's tough to make an objective evaluation of the Broncos after today, just like it was tough to make one of the Steelers after week 3. Even the best teams have terrible games from time to time. Neither the Broncos nor the Steelers are an exception to that.

 

[QB12]

Denver, hands down.

 

[Actual Pats Fan]

Neither. As long as New England is relatively healthy and consistently improves, they are in the driver's seat. It would be nice to have home field, but if you're the best team you can win anywhere

 

[thecore762]

Denver because that pass rush can oppose teams a real problem, especially when they are healthy...
I am always concerned about our O-Line against their D-Line, always been a tough match up.

I am not scared of the Steelers, they can be hot on offense, but on the other side of the ball they aren't that great.

 

[StockingAnarchyNumber12]

Are we assuming Denver isn't a threat due to one game? Go back to KC Chiefs destroying NE in 2014.

Its not over for them, they can still beat teams.

 

[Deus Irae]

Pittsburgh laid an egg against the Eagles. That'll happen. They're a better overall team than the Broncos, until/unless one of the Denver QBs shows he can really play.

 

[nabwong]

Steelers. Cos it looks like our CBs can't cover anyone and they have Antonio brown and bell out of the backfield.

Although the broncos D is legit, I think brady can still score on them.

To me it's more about the match up then which opponents looks better on paper.

 

[mosslost]

We need the playoff game in Gillette, with either. (though I used to call Heinz Field Patriots Championship stadium)

 

[Haley]

Broncos. Defense wins championships.

 

[Kontradiction]

The Steelers are. They have an otherworldly offense and their defense has actually improved over last season. They're the biggest threat. Sammie Coates is also coming into his own and looks like more and more of a match-up nightmare opposite Antonio Brown.

 

[mosslost]

This year in the end it is going to be between Patriots and Steelers. Seems like old times.

 

[mosslost]

The Steelers are. They have an otherworldly offense and their defense has actually improved over last season. They're the biggest threat. Sammie Coates is also coming into his own and looks like more and more of a match-up nightmare opposite Antonio Brown.

We need 1 seed

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I"m pretty sure Denver's the only team Brady has a losing record against but my math may be wrong? He's not the same qb in denver. Definitely my bigger worry. He owns the steelers, and aside from 2011 (when we couldn't stop any qb anyhow) we've always seemed to have an answer for Ben.

Dont get me wrong the steelers are a very dangerous team but we are snakebitten in Denver whether it's uncharacteristiic miscues/ refs/ injuries. Even Adam V missed a chipshot and Troy Brown muffed a punt there (both in a playoff game).

 

[SHOWTIME15]

it depends. if siemian can return to the way he played earlier this year after he comes back from injury, then i would say denver. if they with paxton lynch the rest of the way it will be trouble for them.

 

[fxkane]

I think both Pitt and Denver are going to end up with very few losses, and predict that home field advantage in the playoffs will be critical. On the other hand, if today is any indication, we might just dominate the whole scene (injuries notwithstanding).

I think I fear Denver more at their place, and Pittsburgh more at our place.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

The Pat's have won numerous games including AFC Championsips in Pittsburgh. Denver has been a house of horrors for the Pat's for twenty years.

I can only remember one win, and that was the intentional safety game.

 

[wolverinejoe80]

1. broncos
2. ravens
3. bills
4. steelers

i always worry about broncos at mile high. ravens are always tough out. i also think bills can make noise. i was very impressed with their D without their best player dareus. and shady mccoy is playing like it's 2011. i know rex is a goof ball and we own bills, but i honestly think he is a very good defensive coach.

steelers? meh. we beat them all day every day.

 

[StockingAnarchyNumber12]

@wolverinejoe80 - Ravens? They have lost two in a row and barely beat bad teams to get to 3-0. Ravens will struggle to reach 9-7 this year and even if we do play them, this isn't a scary Ravens team anymore. New England wins easily.