Brady's record against No. 1 defenses is (probably) what you'd expect

The main storyline surrounding the New England Patriots-Denver Broncos game this weekend is the battle between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. It's the 17th time they'll square off, and quite possibly the last. There's no doubt this game is about Brady-Manning XVII, but they'll never be on the field at the same time -- at least not during the game.

Instead, it'll be Brady going up against the Broncos' defense, which is No. 1 in the league. It's obviously not the first time Brady's faced the league's top-ranked defense in his career. In fact, it's the fourth time he'll do so in the postseason. 

In the previous three times, all Brady did was go 3-0 and help the Patriots score 31 points per game. 

The last time Brady faced the top-ranked defense was against the Seattle Seahawks in 2014 -- which was the Super Bowl game, of course. Had it not been for Malcolm Butler's incredible play to seal the win, the Patriots likely would have lost that game. Prior to then, Brady faced the 2001 Steelers and the Ravens in 2004 -- both of which were No. 1 in total defense.

Brady will look to move to 4-0 against top-ranked defenses this Sunday against the Broncos. It won't be easy, though, given Denver's talent -- particularly against the pass. Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware will try to bring Brady down early and often.