The Patriots put together a fantastic team effort and executed a steady, workman-like ball control game plan to defeat the Denver Broncos 16-3 in Denver. The win by the Pats clinched the AFC East for a record eighth year in a row, breaking the old record of seven that they shared with the Rams. They also secured a bye in the first week of the playoffs.
This one wasn’t flashy but it certainly was effective. Unlike a year ago, when they were one-dimensional on offense, the Patriots used the quick running game featuring Dion Lewis who carried 18 times for 95 yards, a career high as the Pats ground out 136 yards with their running game.