Five Key Matchups: Raiders vs. Broncos

Head Coach Gary Kubiak has said that both Siemian and Lynch will play Sunday vs. the Raiders. When they're in, they'll have to deal with the dangerous Mack who has been on a tear as of late. Though both Siemian and Lynch played admirably at times this season, both know they'll need to take a step forward in 2017 to get the Broncos back to the playoffs. Sunday's game presents an opportunity for each player to put their best foot forward heading into the offseason.

Now that MVP candidate Derek Carr is out for most of the playoffs after he suffered a leg injury against the Colts in Week 16, the Raiders' playoff hopes now rest upon Matt McGloin's shoulders. He'll get his first test against the vaunted Denver defense led by Miller. The Super Bowl 50 MVP knows he needs to turn pressures to sacks more often and create game-changing plays. The Broncos' contest against the Raiders presents one more opportunity for him to do so before the Broncos turn the page to 2017.

Kalif Raymond provided a missing spark at the return spot for the Broncos in Week 16, as he broke off several returns that put the Broncos in good field position. However, he also lost a fumble that may have put the finishing touches on a Chiefs win. This week, he'll face off against the boisterous Marquette King, who has gained attention this year for his loud personality and celebrations (that are occasionally flagged). The Week 17 game gives Raymond another chance to show the Broncos his skill set ahead of 2017 when they'll need more-consistent output from the spot.

With T.J. Ward still in concussion protocol, Darian Stewart will once against be the one largely charged with slowing down the opponent's tight end. In Week 16, Stewart had a performance he'd like to forget. Travis Kelce set a Chiefs single-game receiving record and also took Stewart out on several key blocks, including one on a long Tyreek Hill touchdown run. Stewart, who signed a contract extension this season, will look to put that game behind him and shut down Clive Walford when the Raiders come to town.

Both Harris and Cooper will be on the same team when they head to the Pro Bowl in late January, but on Sunday they'll try to get the best of each other. Cooper hasn't had a 100-yard receiving game since Oct. 30, but maintains the ability to make explosive plays. He's had 13 catches this season of at least 25 yards and is a danger to a defense at all times.   Harris has spent most of the season as Pro Football Focus' top-ranked cornerback and will try to slow Derek Carr's favorite target. The Denver cornerback doesn't make the same number of game-changing plays as his counterpart Aqib Talib, but he essentially eliminates a side of the field. And with Harris' ability to match up against smaller, speedy wide receivers and those of the tall, physical variety, Harris is one of the few shutdown corners in the league.   In the Broncos' last matchup with the Raiders, Cooper finished with just six catches for 56 yards. If the Broncos hold him to the same output, they'd likely be satisfied. But that will be no easy task in the final home game of the season.