I can’t put money on an unproven QB

@justliketoplay

 Like Tom Brady taking over Sept. 30th 2001 and winning the SB that season?

@PayMeHardRock

 I have to say, although this “I can’t bet on a backup quarterback” angle is extremely basic, it’s the correct way of thinking. I’m honestly starting to be annoyed by everything I’m reading about Denver. The look ahead line! The defense! Sean Payton! Home game! Stidham will be ready! And you know that patriots strength of schedule…

Listen guys, I’ve been betting against New England all year. It’s not gone well. I have huge Matt Stafford mvp tickets and I’m not even confident about that. 

Drake Maye has done nothing but show us that he’s elite all season. Has he turned the ball over? Yes. But he’s winning games with turnovers and sacks. Have the patriots had an easy schedule? Yes. But they’ve done exactly what you do to an easy schedule…destruction. Is the initial opening line an overreaction? Yes, but Stidham hasn’t played meaningful football in a long time. 

The idea of backing NE because they are playing a backup quarterback is logical. If Stidham makes a few bad mistakes it could easily decide the game. If Drake has a few mistakes, he can overcome them. I don’t think that a 5 point victory for NE is that hard to come by. They should completely shut down Denver’s run game. JK Dobbins back? Who cares? This guy is going to come back and light up the NE run defense? Highly doubt it.

Denver’s defense has been suspect at times. And they’re one miraculous bobbled no catch fumble turned interception away from sitting on their couches watching the game on TV. You want to put your money on Jarrett Stidham and pray for 3 hours? Have at it. Not for me…

@justliketoplay

Steve Smith said it best. At some point in the game the backup is going to show you why they’re a backup.

@wizard1183

Like Tom Brady taking over Sept. 30th 2001 and winning the SB that season?

Tom brady won that Superbowl as a backup playing most of the entire season after replacing drew bledsoe the patriots starter in week three of that Superbowl season.

Tom had time to develop as well as familiarize himself with the system as well as his his players and the entire organization, I highly doubt your comparison of the two stands to hold water yet alone the container that the water is placed into.

This stidham kid may surprise some on a few attempted passes, but it will be unlikely that he is the reason why Denver wins this game but it will be the broncos defense that win it if and when they do.

I sincerely don't know much about this back up quarterback and may be surprised myself at his effort come Sunday but as this thread is somewhat titled at least for myself as well it's hard to have your money especially on a Denver Moneyline play.....on a unproven quarterback.

I hope the kid plays great and denver wins as I have money on Denver to win the Superbowl but I just don't see it happening. Denver keeps it close yes, denver winning with an unestablished quarterback?.....Nah 

Maye is super lucky he was gifted with very easy schedule so he could learn on the job.  Pats played only 2 teams that finished the regular season with a wining record and now they've luck boxed it again by getting a chance to play for AFC title against a backup who hasn't thrown a football in 3 years.

If this game is for real, I would take NE everyday including holidays. Jarrett Stidham is the polar opposite of Bo Nix, and Denver clearly thrived with Nix. It’s unrealistic to expect them to just flip a switch and play at the same level with a totally different quarterback.

This game is going to show everyone why Sean Payton is an absolute genius and one of the greatest coaches of all time.

GL 

@Pho-20

 You are correct. And against a really banged up Chargers team. Josh Allen played one of his worst games and still should have won.

going to Denver is a different animal

I agree that Sean Payton is a genius, and a great coach. Although his gameplan vs the Bills was less than desirable. 

We'll see what he has cooking for the Patriots. 

Officially ruled out.

Also, Patriots LB Harold Landry

Played exactly one playoff team on the road in 18 wks. With Maye making first,road playoff start. Agst an excellent defensive front with very high sack,havoc rates. In very difficult setting. Love my 10.5.