Five Key Matchups: Broncos vs. Jaguars

After Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce came away with a reception in overtime that put Kansas City in position for a game-winning field goal, Darian Stewart will be looking for revenge this weekend. With former Broncos tight end Julius Thomas listed as doubtful, Stewart and Denver will likely match up against Marcedes Lewis. Stewart, who signed a contract extension last weekend after a strong start to the season, will be tasked with guarding the starter. Lewis has pulled in just 20 receptions this season, but he has experience as an 11-year veteran. Still, the more weapons the Broncos can take away, the better.

Brandon Marshall nearly saw the end of his NFL career before it even took off. The Jaguars had drafted Marshall in the fifth round but had always put him on shaky ground, waiving him three times over the course of 10 months during his stint in Jacksonville. Marshall was forced to contemplate his place in the NFL after a Jaguars coach told him he wasn't good enough to play in the league, but he resolved to prove him wrong. More than three years later, Marshall has done that and more."That game is circled," Marshall said in August. "I told all my guys in the huddle to make sure that week we go hard in practice so we can win. I'm trying to get a pick-six."Marshall's main responsibility on the ground will be containing running back T.J. Yeldon, who will likely get most of the carries with Chris Ivory out with a hamstring injury. Yeldon had a promising rookie season in 2015 with 740 yards in 12 games, but has been in a reserve role behind Ivory.

Iron man Matt Paradis, who has yet to miss a single snap since the start of the 2015 season, has been the Broncos' most consistent lineman in 2016 despite battling a hip injury in recent weeks. He, along with right guard Michael Schofield, have a tough matchup with former teammate Malik Jackson, who has been picking up his pace in recent weeks.Jackson had one sack in his first seven games for Jacksonville, but has 3.5 in the four weeks since, including two against Buffalo in Week 12. Moving back to a 4-3 defense was at first a difficult transition for him, but he said that he's beginning to feel at home. "At first, it was a little weird," Jackson said. "The blocks are a little different and the scheme is different here than it was in Denver."

Demaryius Thomas is closing in on yet another 1,000-yard season as he's caught at least five passes in every game since the opener against Carolina. The physical receiver is a threat in both the red zone and on deep patterns, and Paxton Lynch will likely turn to him as he makes his second-career start. Rookie sensation Jalen Ramsey will look to slow down the Broncos' potent receiving option. The fifth-overall pick in the 2016 draft has been just one piece of the influx of talent into the Jacksonville defense, and the Jaguars will likely rely on him for years to come. On Sunday, though, he'll be tasked with shutting down Thomas — which won't come easy. If Thomas can get free and provide an outlet for Lynch, the Broncos may find their trip to Florida an overwhelming success.

Paxton Lynch's second-career start will come Sunday in Jacksonville after Trevor Siemian was ruled out with an injured left foot. Lynch, who also filled in for Siemian for much of the Broncos' win over Tampa, struggled at times in his lone start this season. He finished 23-of-35 for 223 yards, a touchdown and an interception against the Falcons on Oct. 9. Head Coach Gary Kubiak said Thursday he likes Lynch's progression in the weeks since, and he's shown a continued understanding of the offense. If Lynch is to succeed Sunday, he'll need to avoid a surprising Jacksonville pass rusher. Though many expected former third-overall pick Dante Fowler Jr. to provide a burst in his return from ACL surgery, it's rookie Yannick Ngakoue who has made waves. The third-round pick has six sacks through the team's first 11 games, which leads the team.