5. Philip Rivers vs. Broncos' Secondary

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA Today Sports

Philip Rivers passed for under 250 yards both times these two teams faced each other this season. Rivers is no schlub, but with the way the Broncos were run all over last time these teams played they are going to want to force Rivers to beat them. Denver’s secondary is not the greatest, allowing the 27th most passing yards per game. Rivers will exploit the Broncos' secondary when given the chance, and it will be a lot easier for him if his team has success on the ground so he does not have to put the team on his back.

4. Knowshon Moreno vs. Chargers' Run Defense

Robert Hanashiro-USA Today Sports

If the Broncos want to play in a game next week they will have to get Moreno involved. Peyton Manning may be the greatest of all time, but putting the game completely on his shoulders is not wise. If Moreno can muster up at least 80 rushing yards to take some pressure off of the Broncos' passing game and slow down the rush that San Diego will send after Manning then Denver will win this game.

3. Danny Woodhead vs. Broncos' Linebackers

Kirby Lee-USA Today Sports

Danny Woodhead is a matchup nightmare and has become a big weapon for Philip Rivers in the pass game. He is the newest version of Darren Sproles and has the same effect as linebackers struggle to cover him coming out of the backfield. Woodhead even beats cornerbacks when lined up in the slot. The man is a weapon, and the Broncos will have to know where he is on every down.

2. Peyton Manning vs. San Diego's Secondary

Ron Chenoy-USA Today Sports

It is no secret that Peyton Manning is one of the best quarterbacks of all time, and depending on what happens in this game, he’ll have a chance to either build upon his already legendary legacy or give his critics another reason to shoot him down. If Manning loses this game he will be 9-12 in the playoffs with nine losses coming in the first round Manning’s team played in.

The Broncos will have to exploit this matchup as there are not many teams who can shut down all of Denver’s receiving threats, and San Diego is not one of them. The Chargers have the 29th ranked secondary in terms of yards per game.

1. Ryan Mathews vs Denver's Run Defense

Rob Chenoy-USA Today Sports

This matchup is huge. The winner of this matchup will be playing a football game next week. If the Chargers get Ryan Mathews going in this game they will be able to make it another short day for Peyton Manning. If San Diego has the ball more than 38 minutes and Mathews runs for over 125-yards on the ground it will equate to a victory.