AFC Divisional Playoffs, Broncos Vs. Patriots: New England Will Have To Account For Demaryius Thomas

Read More: Calvin Johnson (WR - DET), Eric Decker (WR - DEN), Demaryius Thomas (WR - DEN), New England Patriots, Denver Broncos

The New England Patriots have beaten the Denver Broncos already this season, but in the latter portion of the season a certain Broncos player has emerged as a big time threat that New England will have to account for. Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas has had a big impact since the beginning of December. NFL.com's Jeff Darlington points out the eye brow raising numbers.

Since Dec. 1, Thomas is averaging 22.5 yards per catch. His 108.7 yards per game are second in the NFL behind only Lions star Calvin Johnson. Thomas' teammates say they couldn't be happier for him after all he has endured.

Thomas caught the 80-yard game winning touchdown pass agains the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, doing a lot of the work after he caught the football. In the first meeting with the Patriots, Thomas picked up seven receptions for 116 yards, so he'll need to be a key focus of the Patriots defense especially with Eric Decker being inactive.

For more on the two teams, check out Denver Broncos blog Mile High Report and New England Patriots blog Pats Pulpit. For more coverage of the NFL Playoffs, head over to SB Nation's NFL news hub.