The New England Patriots take on the Denver Broncos in a regular season game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday, November 12, 2017.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) take the field prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) stretches prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets retired Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft stands on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels talks with Tom Brady prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia watches warm ups prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, right, scores a touchdown as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (84) fumbles the punt as New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots recovered the football. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (84) fumbles the punt as New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) makes the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots recovered the football. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) scores a touchdown as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis runs back a kick-off for a touchdown as Denver Broncos running back Devontae Booker (23) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis, center, celebrates his kick-off return for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos with teammate tight end Jacob Hollister (47) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs back a kick-off for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs back a kick-off for a touchdown as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates his kick-off return for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) runs back a kick-off for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
The Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots stand at mid field for the coin toss prior to an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) runs as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart (26) defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks (14) is tripped up as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shane Ray (56) pursues during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws under pressure from Denver Broncos outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett (48) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) runs as Denver Broncos free safety Darian Stewart defends during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) lines up against New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) yawns during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Broncos defensive end Shelby Harris (96) dives on New England Patriots running back James White (28) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, right, celebrates a first down against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) signals a catch as Denver Broncos strong safety Justin Simmons (31) looks on during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots tight end Dwayne Allen (83) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Tom Brady against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Dwayne Allen (83) scores a touchdown as Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) watches during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Dwayne Allen (83) celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) scores a touchdown as New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore defends during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis, right, celebrates his touchdown against Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass as running back Dion Lewis (33) runs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates his touchdown against the Denver Broncos with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) is hit by Denver Broncos strong safety Justin Simmons (31) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) laughs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) celebrates his interception against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) intercepts a pass intended for Denver Broncos tight end Jeff Heuerman (82) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) throws against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) cheers Patriots fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) cheers Patriots fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) cheers Patriots fans as he leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) meet after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greets Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, in Denver. The Patriots won 41-16. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
DENVER (AP) -Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes and the New England Patriots matched their own AFC record with their 12th consecutive road victory, pummeling the Denver Broncos 41-16 on Sunday night.
These teams have represented the AFC in the last four Super Bowls, and the Broncos (3-6) were hoping a visit from their rivals would help shake them from their funk, one that included a 28-point loss at Philadelphia a week earlier. With a win, "the swag, the energy in this locker room, it'll skyrocket," suggested Aqib Talib.
Instead, the Broncos fizzled.
They saw their losing streak reach five games, their longest skid in seven seasons, and they lost back-to-back games to the Patriots (7-2) in Denver for the first time since 1966.
Avoiding Von Miller all night and throwing for 266 yards on 25-of-34 passing, Brady improved to 8-9 against the Broncos, the only team he has a losing record against, and won for just the fourth time in 11 trips to Denver.
His 86th regular-season road win broke a tie with Peyton Manning for most all-time.
The Patriots also won a dozen consecutive road games from 2006-08. The NFL record is 18 set by the Joe Montana-led San Francisco 49ers from 1988-90.
Speaking of historic, the Patriots for the first time since 1979 had a special teams takeaway, a blocked punt and a kickoff return for a touchdown, a trifecta that fueled a comfortable 27-9 halftime lead.
The Patriots went three-and-out to start the game but rookie Isaiah McKenzie's muffed punt — his fifth fumble of the year — led to Brady's 14-yard TD toss to running back Rex Burkhead and set the tone for another head-scratching performance by the bungling Broncos, who that fancied themselves contenders after a 3-1 start.
After kicking a 39-yard field goal, Brandon McManus failed on the ensuing kickoff to get in front of returner Dion Lewis, whose 103-yard return down Denver's demoralized sideline made it 14-3.
Then, Burkhead sliced through the line to block Riley Dixon's punt at the Broncos' 30-yard line, leading to Stephen Gostkowski's second field goal.
When the Broncos finally forced another punt in the fourth quarter, they were whistled for 12 men on the field, giving the Patriots a fresh set of downs. Brady took advantage of that gaffe by throwing a 6-yard touchdown pass to James White, making it 41-16.
That capped a 16-play, 94-yard drive that ate up 7 minutes, 31 seconds.
Brock Osweiler hooked up with Emmanuel Sanders five times for 114 yards in the first half but Denver stalled twice in the red zone and also at the Patriots 21, settling for field goals while the Patriots were scoring touchdowns.
Brady hit tight end Dwayne Allen from 11 yards out, Allen's first catch of the year giving the Patriots a 27-9 halftime lead.
Even when the Broncos finally found the end zone on Demaryius Thomas' 8-yard TD catch, the Patriots responded quickly with a 7-yard TD run by Lewis.
BENNETT'S BACK: Tight end Martellus Bennett was active — and productive — for New England just a few days after he saying the Green Bay Packers of pressuring him to play through a shoulder injury. Green Bay waived Bennett with the designation that he "failed to disclose a physical condition," but Bennett said the Packers were aware of his balky shoulder when he signed him. He said it got worse during the season and he elected to have surgery. When the Packers waived him, the Patriots grabbed him.
His first catch covered 27 yards.
MILESTONE WIN:Patriots coach Bill Belichick moved into a third-place tie with Tom Landry on the all-time head-coaching list for wins, with 270. He trails only Don Shula (347) and George Halas (324).
INJURIES:Patriots special teams ace Matthew Slater went out in the first half with a pulled hamstring.
Broncos tight end A.J. Derby was knocked out with a shoulder injury.
Umpire Jeff Rice was carted off in the third quarter after hitting his head on the ground when Patriots linebacker Trevor Reilly bowled him over on during a Denver punt.
UP NEXT
Patriots: At Oakland Raiders at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca (elevation 7,280 feet). The Patriots are staying in Colorado all week, practicing at the Air Force Academy (elevation 6,621) feet to acclimate to the altitude.
Broncos: Host the Cincinnati Bengals.
