A look at the New England Patriots in NFL key statistical categories during the 2013 regular season, while bringing their opponent in the AFC Championship Game -- the Denver Broncos -- into the discussion:
Points per game
Final '13 ranking: 3rd (27.75)
Last season: 1st (34.8)
Broncos in 2013: 1st (37.8)
Points allowed
Final '13 ranking: 10th (21.1)
Last season: Tied-9th (20.6)
Broncos in 2013: 22nd (24.9)
Third-down offense
Final '13 ranking: 16th (83 of 221, 37.6 percent)
Last season: 1st (110 of 226, 48.7 percent)
Broncos in 2013: 2nd (95 of 205, 46.3 percent)
Third-down defense
Final '13 ranking: 26th (98 of 232, 42.2 percent)
Last season: 22nd (82 of 205, 40.0 percent)
Broncos in 2013: 16th (83 of 218, 38.1 percent)
Turnover differential
Final '13 ranking: 8th (plus-9, 29 takeaways, 20 giveaways)
Last season: 1st (plus-25, 41 takeaways, 16 giveaways)
Broncos in 2013: Tied-14th (even, 26 takeaways, 26 giveaways)
Red zone offense (based on TD percentage)
Final '13 ranking: 15th (36 of 65)
Last season: 1st (49 of 70)
Broncos in 2013: 1st (51 of 67)
Red zone defense (based on TD percentage)
Final '13 ranking: 16th (28 of 50)
Last season: 13th (24 of 46)
Broncos in 2013: 25th (37 of 60)