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10 on Broncos

Ten things to know about the Patriots’ next playoff opponent –- the Denver Broncos.

* 13-3 record, first place finish in the AFC West, losses to the Dolphins (Sept. 11), Giants (Oct. 23) and Chiefs (Dec. 4).

* 8-0 at home this season.

* Ranked second in the NFL in rushing yards per game (158.7), with Mike Anderson (1,014) and Tatum Bell (921) leading the way.

* Team finished plus-20 in turnover differential -- 36 takeaways, 16 giveaways -- the second-best mark in the NFL.

* Potential areas of vulnerability are third-down offense (36.2 percent; 22nd in NFL); pass defense (227.7 yards per game; 29th in NFL); kickoff coverage (25.3 yards allowed per runback; 29th in NFL) and lack of pass rush (28 sacks in 613 attempts; 32nd in NFL).

* Ranked third in the NFL in fewest points allowed per game (16.1).

* Ranked second in NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed per game (85.2).

* Receiver Rod Smith ranked ninth in the NFL with 85 catches (1,105 yards).

* Jason Elam is one of only two kickers in NFL history to score 100 points or more in each of his first 10 seasons. The other kicker to accomplish the feat is Adam Vinatieri.

* Patriots coach Bill Belichick on Denver from Oct. 12: “I think just from a coaching standpoint, I've had the privilege of coaching in this league for a long time against a lot of great people, especially offensively. I think I have to put Mike [Shanahan] right up there with any of them I’ve ever coached against. He does probably as good a job … I don’t think there is anybody any better at game-planning and creating problems for the defense. He takes a look at what you do and then he presents a situation for you that is tough to deal with. It’s always something that is a little bit different, but it always kind of hits right where it hurts the most. He’s done a good job of that in the past and they have a lot of good players to work with.”