Whenever the Broncos play the Patriots in this era, it's all about Tom Brady, particularly in the last four years when Denver had the equally brilliant Peyton Manning at quarterback.
But from the decades before that going back to 1960, there is perhaps a stronger connection between the Broncos and Patriots than with any team other than Denver's longtime AFC West rivals in Kansas City, Oakland and San Diego.
The two teams played in the very first game in AFL history, with three future Ring of Fame members taking the field for Denver: quarterback Frank Tripucka, who threw the first touchdown pass in Bronco history in that game, safety Austin "Goose" Gonsoulin and running back/kicker/punt return specialist Gene Mingo.