The subplots to Sunday night’s Broncos-Patriots matchup don’t end with Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady.
While the 14th meeting between the two Canton-bound quarterbacks deservedly hogged the headlines this week, rest assured plenty of eyes will be on slot receivers Wes Welker and Danny Amendola when 7-3 New England hosts 9-1 Denver at Gillette Stadium.
Welker vs. Amendola has been debated by Patriots fans ever since Welker — feeling slighted by New England’s offer — bolted for the Broncos and quickly was replaced by the ex-Ram Amendola last spring, but the comparison truly will come into focus with both players on the same field.
It almost didn’t happen, considering Welker suffered a concussion in last week’s 27-17 victory over the Chiefs, but he passed all of the medical tests during the week and is considered probable to face his former team.
Each of the diminutive receivers has lived up to his reputation so far, which means Welker is getting the best of the head-to-head showdown.
The leading receiver in Patriots history with 672 catches, Welker hasn’t missed a beat with Manning in Denver. Not only does he return to Foxborough, Mass., with 61 receptions for 648 yards, but Welker — with six games to play — already has matched his career high for a season with nine TD catches.
Just like he did in New England, Welker quickly became Manning’s favorite target. Those 61 catches lead the team, impressive considering the Broncos’ host of big-play targets, led by wideouts Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker and emerging tight end Julius Thomas.
Thomas reportedly is a toss-up to play Sunday night because of a leg injury suffered against Kansas City, so Manning will have his eye on Welker even more if Thomas can’t go.
That especially is true if the Broncos use the quick-throw style against New England, as they did last week against the Chiefs — to make up for an injury-battered offensive line, Manning’s sprained ankles and the fearsome K.C. pass rush.
Amendola also has been true to form in his first season as a Patriot, which means he has been productive and reliable … when healthy.
The 5-foot-11, 183-pound Amendola didn’t even make it through his New England regular-season debut without a significant injury. He caught 10 passes for 104 yards in a 23-21 win over the Bills in the opener but injured his groin severely enough to miss the next three games.
Amendola lasted just two games before a concussion forced him to sit out the Patriots’ 30-27 overtime loss to the Jets, although he has been able to stay on the field since. He also enjoyed his best day with New England two games ago with four catches for 122 yards and his only TD catch of the season in a 55-31 rout of the Steelers.
Amendola’s overall numbers with Brady are modest and certainly aren’t making New England forget about the fan favorite Welker. Amendola has just 29 catches for 341 yards, although he appears to be developing chemistry with Brady lately.
Where the Patriots really miss Welker is on third down. New England led the NFL with a 48.7-percent conversion rate on third down last year but has plummeted to 10th at 36 percent this season, while the addition of Welker has helped the Broncos become the league’s top third-down offense this year at 48 percent.
Although Welker will get the better of this comparison once again Sunday night, it won’t be the difference. What will be is the combination of cold weather (a longtime Manning nemesis), Brady’s fury at getting robbed in Carolina last Monday and the Patriots’ home dominance.
PICK: Patriots, 35-31.