Kickoff: The Patriots travel to Denver for a Christmas Eve match up with the Denver Broncos. New England is coming off of a hard fought 27-17 loss to the Chiefs at home. Denver got blown out in Detroit last Saturday night, 42-16. 

Here are four keys to the game. 

1st Down: Start and finish strong: The Patriots have started strong in the first offensively the past two games but have struggled in the second half. If the Patriots want to win this game, they have to play well offensively for four quarters. Once defenses adjust, they need to adjust and move the ball.

2nd Down: Be physical with their receivers: If the Patriots are going to play man coverage as much as they want to, they need to be physical with Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. They need to not only be physical, but they need to plaster vertically because Russell Wilson can extend plays. 

3rd Down: Sugar rush Wilson: Russell Wilson is not the runner he once was but he can still extend plays when things break down in the pocket. The Patriots have to set an edge and not be overly aggressive rushing Wilson. Sugar rush and do not get deeper than the top of his drop. Keep him in front of you!

4th Down: Pound it and posses it: The Patriots passing game will be limited with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hunter Henry out. Running the football and sticking with it will be important. The Patriots cannot get into second and third and long and force it in the passing game. 

Extra Point: Denver leads the series 27-22 in the regular season and 4-1 in the playoffs. The Patriots and Broncos have played in three Divisional Playoff games and two AFC Championship Games.

The Patriots have played more games against the Broncos than any other team that is not a divisional opponent. The two teams have met 54 times.

Final Drive: The Patriots are in a similar situation that they were in two weeks ago when they visited Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, they cannot play spoiler in this game because they are more banged up heading into this game than they were heading into that game. That will be the difference. Denver has more firepower offensively and the Patriots will struggle to keep up.