The Denver Broncos host the Arizona Cardinals this afternoon for their third and final preseason game. Earlier this week, head coach Sean Payton named Bo Nix the starting quarterback and he will sit out today’s game.

That means Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson will get all the final reps and go head-to-head to see who will be the Broncos’ backup quarterback for 2024. That’s just one of many storylines to keep an eye on.

The final 53-man roster is set to be determined by next Tuesday, so it’s the last chance for many players looking to make their mark to secure a spot. Without further ado, let’s take a look at my Top 5 storylines for the preseason finale, all of which revolve around position group battles with roster cuts on the horizon.

Jarrett Stidham vs. Zach Wilson — Who Will Be the Broncos’ #2 QB?

Payton has repeatedly stated how happy he is with the quarterback room and hasn’t been shy about stating that the Broncos could “certainly” keep three players on their final 53-man roster. It’s a young and talented group, but would Denver really want to keep a third QB at the expense of another young and promising player on their roster? It’s a tough decision that needs to be made by Tuesday, August 27th.

Still, the finale against the Cardinals will be a big battle to see who earns the backup spot behind Nix. Stidham will be on a multi-drive pitch count, which could mean he’s locked up for the job. But if Wilson really impresses, it could be a tough decision for Payton, who has frequently praised Wilson during the offseason. Stidham has the upper hand because this is his second year learning Payton’s system, but Wilson was a high-profile draft pick with many more plus traits.

It’s not that the Broncos need the cap space, but moving on from Stidham would give them an extra $5 million to play with, which could come in handy if they’re looking to make a trade to bolster talent at position groups they’re not comfortable with.

The Offensive Line — Who Deserves a Reserve Job?

The Broncos’ starting lineup has four sure starts etched in Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Quinn Meinerz and Mike McGlinchey. Based on what we’ve seen in training camp and the preseason, Luke Wattenberg is the favorite to take the starting center position, but Alex Forsyth is also in the running for that opportunity.

The real battle is at swing tackle with Matt Peart and Alex Palczewski battling it out for that position. I wouldn’t be surprised to see either of them make the final roster though considering Quinn Bailey’s season-ending injury. That said, Palczewski struggled mightily against the Green Bay Packers and needs a rebounding game. Though his versatility and reps at right guard could be a deciding factor in cutting the roster.

Calvin Throckmorton and Will Sherman are in a two-man battle for the guard position. An outside candidate in Demontrey Jacobs has risen from the ashes for one of the final spots in the offensive trenches. He has really improved this offseason and has made some solid tapes in the Broncos’ first preseason games. I think he has earned a spot on the team.

If I had to name the odd one out, other than the ones not mentioned here, it would be Sherman. That said, the Cardinals game is important for all of the guys who struggled for the most part against the Packers. If the issues with the second and third team offensive line continue, I would like to see the Broncos brass diligently upgraded via the waiver wire or even a trade if necessary.

Wide Receiver — Who stands out from the rest?

The Denver Broncos are set to retain Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and Josh Reynolds as their “Big 3” at wide receiver for the 2024 campaign. Their size and physicality will be a key asset in the passing game and they will also provide blocking ability to propel their rushing attack.

Given their draft stock and certainly not their preseason play, which can best be described as MIA, Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin will make the cut. Fourth round picks have been cut before, but I find it highly unlikely Denver will move on from Franklin considering they gave him a second round grade, in addition to his chemistry with Nix.

So the real battle is at number six.

On one side, you have Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who made some big plays last year and knows Payton’s system. On the other side, you have Brandon Johnson, who has a ton of talent and made the most of his late-season representation during Denver’s 2023 campaign. However, a major wrench was thrown into their roster’s plans with the emergence of seventh-round rookie Devaughn Vele, who has been one of the team’s camp superstars.

In my opinion this is probably the most interesting storyline to watch. I’m betting on Vele.

The Secondary Shakeup – Finalizing the Final 53-Man Roster

Last year the Broncos kept 12 defensive backs on their final roster. I expect that to be one less this year. I would prefer to give an extra spot to the defensive line spot, which only had five players on the final roster last season.

Patrick Surtain II, Ja’Quan McMillian, Levi Wallance, Damarri Mathis, Riley Moss, and Kris Abrams-Draine are the top six on my list of cornerbacks. Brandon Jones, PJ Locke, and JL Skinner would be the top three at safety. That’s nine total with two spots left if I’m correct, they’re only keeping 11 in the secondary. Who takes the last two spots?

Last year they kept six players at safety, but I think they only have five this year. Devon Key is an excellent camp player who has been praised by the defensive coaching staff for his improvement. Additionally, Keidron Smith has made impactful plays with interceptions in both preseason games. At this point, I would say they both deserve to make it.

That would leave Tremon Smith with a waiver and a potential $2.5 million cap hit. He’s the backup returner and would be the seventh cornerback on the roster. He’s gotten some praise for his special teams skills as a gunner, but I’d rather see the Broncos keep both Key and Smith

The Broncos’ Stables of Backs — Major Cuts Ahead

Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime appear to be the trio of backs the Broncos will keep on their final roster, along with fullback Michael Burton. That leaves veteran Samaje Perine, undrafted rookie free agent Blake Watson and practice squad stalwart Tylier Badie sidelined.

The preseason finale against the Cardinals is their last chance to make their case for the final roster. Perine was arguably the team’s best running back last year, but the team saves $3 million in payroll space by parting ways. While the Broncos valued Watson highly and he earned one of the highest UDFA contracts in all of football, he hasn’t shown enough to earn a spot.

I think there’s a small chance Denver keeps five backs on their roster, but that seems excessive from a team building perspective. I think Perine gets cut and both Watson and Badie are put on the practice squad.