DENVER — As long as they're keeping score, Head Coach Sean Payton and the Broncos want a victory.

That remains true as the Broncos host the Cardinals on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. MT to close their preseason slate.

"They're keeping score, [and] we want to win," Payton said Friday. "And then we want to show improvement."

That task will largely fall to Denver's reserve players, as Payton said only "a handful" of starters are expected to see playing time.

In the preseason finale against Arizona, though, there's still plenty on the line.

Some players will jockey for roster spots, while others will aim to tune up their game for the regular season.

Here, then, are just a few things to watch when the Broncos face the Cardinals:

HOW DO THE BRONCOS' QUARTERBACKS PERFORM?

After Bo Nix earned the starting nod earlier this week, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson will take the reins on Sunday.

Payton said Stidham will receive "eight to 12 plays" before Wilson comes into the game for extended action.

Stidham will look to lead the Broncos to points for a second consecutive game, while Wilson will get valuable reps with the second-string unit.

"This will be a good test, a good opportunity for Zach getting work with the second wave," Payton said Friday.

As Payton explained, it can be difficult to evaluate the quarterback position "if the other elements aren't working." On Sunday, Payton will get the chance to see Wilson compete with a different set of players.

Through two games, Stidham has completed 11-of-18 passes for 102 yards and two interceptions, while Wilson has completed 12-of-19 attempts for a touchdown and a 104.3 quarterback rating.

While both players will aim to put their best football on display, Payton said the Broncos have "a pretty good idea [of] the direction we're going" at quarterback ahead of roster cutdowns.

"I think we've got a real good handle on that room, specifically," Payton said. "We're not announcing anything, but I like — I've said this, I'll say it again — I like the room."

WHICH STARTERS SEE ACTION — AND HOW DO THEY LOOK?

Payton said Friday that "a number of starters" will not play against the Cardinals, but he said three or four key contributors could still see action.

Among the players Payton mentioned: safety Brandon Jones, who has not played in the preseason after suffering a hamstring injury early in training camp.

Jones joined the Broncos as one of their key free-agent acquisitions in the offseason, but Denver will want to see him get live reps ahead of Week 1 in Seattle.

"That's always a concern, because obviously playing football and being in the meeting room is different," Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said Thursday. "Having him back out there and getting reps is important. We play next week, so, yes. When guys miss time, it's critical they get back to the playing field and also off the field having their studies in check. Playing the game is playing the game. It's not on the sideline."

Jones figures to be one of the more intriguing players to watch, and Broncos fans should get their first look at him in game action.

Payton also mentioned cornerback Levi Wallace among the players that would likely play, but it will be noteworthy to see which other starters line up on Sunday.

CAN ANY 2024 DRAFT PICKS MAKE THEIR MARK?

This preseason finale should give a slew of players a chance to make a final impression, and it's possible some of the Broncos' draft picks could turn in strong performances.

Payton said rookie Audric Estime will see action, and the fifth-round pick will look to build on a start to his career that has seen him carry the ball 14 times for 45 yards (3.2 yards per carry) and a touchdown.

Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss and wide receiver Devaughn Vele are among the Broncos' other draft picks who have posted strong training camps, and Elliss has recorded a pair of sacks in two games. Depending on the number of snaps they receive, Elliss and Vele could continue to make an impact.

Cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and wide receiver Troy Franklin also seem to fit the mold of Phase 2 or Phase 3 players that Payton said would see action, and Franklin will look to show his potential in his final preseason opportunity.