NFL Week 16 Game Recap: New England Patriots 26, Denver Broncos 23

The New England Patriots and Denver Broncos capped off an eventful Christmas Eve slate with a largely forgettable battle, with the Patriots ultimately emerging as the improbable victors.

It was quarterback Bailey Zappe and kicker Chad Ryland who stepped up as the heroes in this one, Zappe for orchestrating the seven-play, 43-yard drive to set up the game-winning field goal and Ryland for knocking through the 56-yard game-winner to redeem himself for missing a 47-yarder and an extra point earlier in the game.

The Patriots move to 4-11. The Broncos fall to 7-8 and are all but eliminated from playoff contention.

Offensive spotlight: Bailey Zappe was the best quarterback in this game, and it wasn't particularly close. The Patriots quarterback completed 25 of his 33 pass attempts for 256 yards, two scores and no interceptions, and he produced a whopping six big-time throws in the contest. 

In contrast, Russell Wilson finished 25-of-37 for 238 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, but he didn't record a single big-time throw. He took five sacks and threw short of the first-down marker on 62.2% of his attempts — only Trevor Siemian (77.5%), Kyler Murray (71.0%), Case Keenum (70.6%) and Sam Howell (63.6%) threw short of the sticks at a higher rate in Week 16. 

Defensive spotlight: Broncos edge rusher Baron Browning put on a terrific performance, albeit in a losing effort, producing a hit and six hurries across 22 pass-rush snaps on first review. Browning added a tackle for loss in the run game, too. 

Rookie spotlight: Seventh-round cornerback Alex Austin was targeted just once in coverage on Sunday night, but he forced the incompletion in coverage against Marvin Mims Jr. First-year offensive lineman Sidy Sow also had a strong game for the Pats, allowing just one pressure and making a handful of good plays as a run-blocker.

Box Score

Passing

Rushing

Receiving