Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has admitted that his defense will face a massive challenge against the New England Patriots in their clash on Sunday.

The Patriots scored 51 points last week against the Chicago Bears, while Tom Brady appears to be back to form after throwing 14 touchdowns to zero interceptions in the month of October.

Del Rio told reporters: "We've played these guys so much, it's like a division opponent, really. We've played them quite a bit. I think they're pretty familiar with us as well.

"It's a great matchup of two of the better teams in the league. We've earned this because we've ended up in first place. It's a first-place schedule that we both play. So two good teams that are going at it. So we look forward to the challenge."

The Broncos held the Patriots to just 16 points in their AFC championship victory over Bill Belichick's side in the 2013 season.