This team is so close,” Pats cornerback Christian Gonzalez said. Vrabel "preaches: 'Go play with that joy and that fun you had as a little kid.' "

If the Broncos beat the Raiders, they will have a crucial tiebreaker edge over the Patriots in the AFC's playoff race.

Denver will likely move to 11-2 in Week 14 against the already-eliminated Las Vegas Raiders. Denver and New England do not play in the regular season, so the tiebreaker will come down to conference record. Both teams are 6-2 in AFC play. Three games in Week 14 could flip the AFC playoff picture around.

As of Monday, the Patriots are currently the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a record of 10-2. They moved up in the standings thanks to the Colts, who lost in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Denver Broncos, who were on their bye this week, are now sitting at No. 2 in the AFC playoffs with a 9-2 mark.

The Giants and Patriots will meet in Foxborough for an intriguing Week 13 clash featuring two of the NFL's brightest young quarterbacks.

The Patriots, riding a nine-game win streak, are heavy favorites against the Giants, who have lost six straight and who were the lone team eliminated from playoff contention prior to Thanksgiving.