Patriots beat Broncos 34-31 in OT

Stephen Gostkowski nailed a 31yard field goal to give the New England Patriots a 3431 win over the Denver Broncos in overtime on “Sunday Night Football.”

Gostkowski got the opportunity to boot the gamewinning kick after the Broncos misplayed a New England punt.

Broncos cornerback Tony Carter was touched by the ball after New England’s Ryan Allen punted to Denver, and Patriots special teams player Nate Ebner recovered the ball on the Broncos’ 13yard line.

“What a crazy game and what a fun finish,” Gostkowski said.

The Broncos squandered a 240 halftime lead over the Patriots, allowing New England quarterback Tom Brady to lead his team to yet another comeback win in his legendary career.

Brady finished with three touchdown passes and helped the Patriots score on their first five possessions in the second half.

“We had some plays in the first half that didn’t go our way, so it was nice to get a good bounce and we needed it,” Brady said of the punting play.

Broncos star quarterback Peyton Manning threw an 11yard pass to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, tying the game at 3131.

“Hated the way that ended, not getting a chance to get our hands on the ball,” Manning said.

Brady was 34 of 50 for 344 yards, with three touchdowns and no interceptions, while Manning finished the game 19 of 36 for 150 yards, with two touchdowns and one pick.

Manning now has a 410 career record against Brady.

Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno had an outstanding game, piling up 224 yards on 37 carries.

The Patriots (83) tightened their hold on first place in the AFC Eastern Division, while the Broncos (92) remain in first place in the AFC Western Division.

Denver has the same record as the Kansas City Chiefs, who they will play next week.