The Broncos don't need to beat the Patriots - and that's what worries me.

I'm not ready for my game prediction yet. That'll come tomorrow. But I am a bit concerned that John Fox has it in the back of his mind that fans see this as a "wouldn't it be nice" game. If John Fox sees it that way, even sub-consciously, it's likely that his coaches and his players do too.

The Broncos need to want this game.

It's not a "must win. It's a "If you win it you are for real" game.

If the Broncos go in and beat the Patriots the world will be talking Broncos like never before. Peyton Manning will be Peyton Manning again. Jason Whitlock will choke on a Twinkie.

But, if they lose 54-to-whatever to Brady and Co. the egg will be back all over their faces and the Oakland win will be just a memory.

Everybody will be talking about the schedule while the Chargers go into New Orleans and probably beat the Saints. Two back in the AFC West.

Worse, Josh McDaniels can walk away smiling. We want to see him throw shit.

@ New England isn't a must-win game. It's a game the Broncos need to win, though. They owe it to the fans.