While much of the focus is on the matchup between rising star QB Andrew Luck and future hall of famer Tom Brady, the fact is tonight's game could be very important for playoff positioning.

Most football observers think the Denver Broncos will get one of the top two spots in the AFC and a first week bye.

The Patriots(7-2) own a one game lead over Indianapolis(6-3). He who wins tonight owns the head-to-head tie breaker, if it comes down to that.

Here are some of the numbers heading into tonight's 8:30pm game...

-  Since 2001 the Patriots have won 73% of their games in the month of November. #2 on that list is Indianapolis at 68%.

-  Kicker Stephen Gostkowski is 35 points away from becoming the Pats all-time points leader(1,158). He will pass Adam Vinatieri, now the Colts kicker. Vinatieri is on s hot streak of his own, 26 consecutive made field goals.

-  Bill Belichick talked about the Colts on-side kicks this week. Indy has tried three on-side kicks so far this year and have recovered two of them.

-  Tonight begins the stretch where the Pats defense faces good QBs...Andrew Luck, Matt Stafford, Aaron Rodgers and Phillip Rivers.

NOTE:  Sports Radio 92.9 The Ticket has your NFL day covered. It begins with the NY Giants vs 49ers game at 1pm...Patriots pregame coverage starts at 5:30pm with a kickoff time of 8:30pm. Listen for the W.A.Bean 'Phrase That Pays' during the Pats game and enter the phrase at 929theticket.com to win!

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