TONIGHT’S GAME

NEW ENGLAND (4-0) at DENVER (5-0)

Channel 7, 6 p.m.

* Storyline: The first game of the year matching two teams that should have played in the AFC championship game a year ago before the Broncos swooned. Each team has a big-time quarterback and running back, while New England probably has a little better receiving corps and defense. The Broncos, however, have home-field advantage and have won nine in a row over the Patriots, blasting them senseless the last two years.

Led by NFL rushing leader Terrell Davis’ 605 yards, the Broncos rank No. 1 in the league in rushing, averaging 151.2 yards a game.

Two years ago in Denver’s 37-3 romp over New England, Davis ran for 97 yards in 24 carries and scored one touchdown. In last year’s 34-8 rout, Davis had 154 yards in 32 carries with two touchdowns and added a third on a reception.

“He’s probably done more to hurt us than [John] Elway,” Patriot linebacker Todd Collins said. “All I know is, if we don’t slow down Davis it won’t matter who’s playing quarterback for Denver because whoever it is won’t need to be throwing the ball.”

Denver Coach Mike Shanahan has brought his team along slowly, aware of how quickly it jumped on top of everyone last year and maybe peaked too early. Now’s a good time, though, to start climbing that mountain.

* The Line: Broncos by 4 1/2.

* The Pick: Broncos.