Five Key Matchups: Broncos vs. Rams
The Broncos will have to be operating on all cylinders on Sunday as they look to take down the Rams, one of the two undefeated teams in the NFL.
Demaryius Thomas is coming off his best game of the season: a five-catch, 105-yard, one-touchdown game against the Jets. On Thomas' score, he out-muscled and out-jumped cornerback Darryl Roberts and shed his tackle attempt on the way to the end zone for his second score of the year. Thomas leads the Broncos in touchdown receptions this season, and his strong hands and ability to win 50-50 balls could prove crucial against Marcus Peters. Peters has 20 career interceptions since he entered the league in 2015, but his aggressiveness can be a double-edged sword, as he's been susceptible to the double move this year. Thomas only has one prior game against the Rams, but it was a good one: seven catches for 103 yards back in 2014. Going up against an explosive offense, the Broncos will likely have to produce some big plays of their own, and Thomas can be a major factor in that area.
When the Rams brought in Andrew Whitworth last offseason, they hoped the long-time Bengal would provide some stability protecting Jared Goff's blindside. He's done that and much, much more: Last year, he was named a first-team All-Pro — the second such honor of his career — and was a Pro Bowler as well. The 36-year old meets 22-year-old rookie Bradley Chubb on Sunday. Chubb has registered 1.5 sacks this season, tied for 10th among rookies. But he hasn't gotten to the quarterback since Week 3, and he'll look to add to his tally against one of the game's best.
Matt Paradis will have his hands full Sunday against Aaron Donald, one of the game's most disruptive interior defensive linemen. Donald has racked up three sacks and five quarterback hits in his last two games, and his combination of quickness and strength is unmatched. Last year's AP Defensive Player of the Year is an even tougher challenge now that he's lining up next to Ndamukong Suh. But if there's one player who could be up to the challenge, it's Paradis, who was elected team captain this season and has been consistent in the middle of the Broncos' line. After a team performance that didn't live up to his standards in Week 5, he will be hungry to get his fellow linemen back on track this weekend.
After two pass breakups last weekend, Chris Harris Jr. is getting closer and closer to recording his first interception of the season. The Broncos' most versatile cornerback, Harris could line up against any one of the Rams' three top receiving targets — Brandin Cooks, Cooper Kupp or Robert Woods — and will be looking to disrupt Rams quarterback Jared Goff. Goff has been one of the league's top quarterbacks this season, but he's coming off a two-interception game in Seattle. If he tries to squeeze one into a tight window on Sunday, Harris could pounce for a game-changing play.
The Broncos' leading tackler faces off against the NFL's second-leading rusher in what should be a key battle. Coming off an AP Offensive Player of the Year Award last season, Gurley hasn't lost a step: He leads the league in rushing attempts (101) and rushing touchdowns (seven) and also has two receiving touchdowns. Gurley is as well-rounded an offensive player as there is, but Davis won't back down from a challenge. He's registered at least five tackles every game this year, and he has a half-sack to his credit as well. Davis will have to be a vocal leader on Sunday as he flies around the field chasing one of the game's best offensive weapons.
