Every week leading into the Patriots' next game, ESPN NFL analyst Tedy Bruschi and ESPN Patriots reporter Mike Reiss preview the matchup. This week, it's the highly anticipated AFC showdown between the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium (CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET).

Mike: Football fans in New England have been treated to a lot of big games over the years. From a regular-season standpoint, this one ranks right up there. These teams know each other well, almost like they've been in the same division these last few years.

Tedy: Yes, and I'm sure both teams went back and watched last season's AFC title game, to become familiar with it again. And the regular-season game last year too, and then you compare the two and ask questions like 'What changes did they make? What changes did we make? What worked the best?' That's a big part of the preparations this week.

Mike: Patriots players echoed that in the locker room over the last couple of days. Before we get into some of the X's and O's, and what some of those things are, what stands out to you from a general sense with the Broncos?

With Terrance Knighton (left) anchoring the D and a record-setting Peyton Manning directing the O, the Broncos look like the best team in the NFL. AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Tedy: They're playing the best out of any team in the AFC, which is reflected when I look at my rankings that take into account key statistical categories. They are head and shoulders above everyone else -- No. 1 in points per game, No. 1 in not turning the ball over, No. 1 in red-zone efficiency, No. 5 on third down. They not only gain yards, but they keep the chains moving, are very efficient and take care of the football (just four giveaways). This is by far the best unit New England will play all year, until they possibly play the Broncos again, in the playoffs.

Mike: Think the teams are headed on that type of collision course?

Tedy: Based on last week's performances, I would say yes. The Patriots' defense is getting better, especially in the secondary. I recognize the explosion we saw in the Colts-Steelers game, but this is turning out to be what we predicted in the beginning -- the two best teams in the AFC continuing to get better, with good coaching and outstanding quarterback play at the forefront.

Mike: This is the 16th time that a Peyton Manning-led team will face off against a Tom Brady-led team. There is great respect between the two. How surprised are you that Manning is still playing at such a high level?

Tedy: I'm not surprised. Careers for quarterbacks can be longer, and production can be higher -- especially for someone like Manning -- based on the way football has trended. Don't get me wrong, he's an outstanding talent, one of the best to ever play the game. You have to respect that. But the way the rules have been structured leads to an offensive game that produces high numbers for quarterbacks. You couple that with the talent that a quarterback like Manning has, and the people around him, and this is what you'd expect.

Mike: Broncos executive vice president John Elway had talked in the offseason about keeping pace with the Patriots and used the term "arms race." It's been a fun back-and-forth.