Can the Patriots live up to the expectations?

The New England Patriots opened up as big favorites over the Denver Broncos for week 10 of the NFL season. The Patriots range from a 7.5-9 point favorite, which would mark the biggest road favorite against the Broncos since 1987 and the second biggest of all time.

In 1987, the Los Angeles Raiders were 11-point favorites, but ultimately lost 30-14.

The Broncos have only been home underdogs by 7.5+ points two other times in history, both in 2011. The Patriots were 7.5-point favorites over the Tim Tebow-led Broncos and crushed them 41-23. The Steelers were 7.5-point favorites in the wild card round, but lost 29-23 in overtime; the Patriots crushed the Broncos 45-10 the following week.

Denver was last seen getting crushed by the Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 51-23 in week 9, including a 44-9 score through three quarters. The Broncos offense is one of the 10 least effective in the league, while their defense appears to have broken their collective back after carrying the team for three years.

The over/under is set at 46.5.