Broncos vs. Lions: Five key matchups

Much like Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, the Lions' receiving duo of Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate can stretch opposing defenses with their combination of size and speed. However, they'll face a similar challenge with Broncos cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris Jr. trying to make sure they make as few plays as possible. "We've got a great challenge—two great receivers, Pro Bowl receivers," Harris said. "It's going to be a good matchup Sunday night. You can't have a better group of skill players going at each other."

Demaryius Thomas made key receptions on the Broncos' final drive against the Chiefs, and he'll look to continue to help the offense as it finds its footing. On the other side is cornerback Darius Slay, who has one interception so far and 10 total tackles. In 2014, his first year as a starter, Slay had 61 combined tackles and two interceptions.

As the Broncos continue to try to find their groove in the run game, how well Louis Vasquez helps control the line will be key. The 2013 All-Pro guard will likely face five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, whom the Lions traded for in the offseason. A 10-year veteran, Ngata has made his name as one of the most imposing defensive linemen in the league and as an integral part of the Ravens' interior defense. Now a Lion, Ngata is working to help the Lions get back to where they were last year as the league's leading rush defense. Head Coach Gary Kubiak, who knows Ngata from his days on the Ravens' coaching staff, called Ngata "one of the greatest inside players in the [league]."

Battling in the trenches, Malik Jackson should go up against former Bronco Manny Ramirez on a good many plays. Not unlike the Broncos, the Lions' offensive line has struggled in its first two games. They haven't been able to rush well and pass protection may not have resulted in many sacks, but it's resulted in plenty of quarterback hits. Ramirez has been doing well, however, and as the Lions try to establish their rushing attack and prevent further penetration to Matthew Stafford, he will have no easy task against Jackson. Jackson, meanwhile, will try to impose havoc upon the line and Stafford to affect his timing in the pocket and to get to running backs in the backfield.

Safety Darian Stewart's impact on the Broncos defense has been immediate. His Week 1 interception sealed the victory over Baltimore, and a fumble recovery against the Chiefs ended an early drive. From a distance, he'll keep a watchful eye on Lions QB Matthew Stafford, who has two dangerous targets in WRs Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate.