Broncos vs. Jets: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

When inking a five-year, $ 36 million contract, the Jets had high expectations of Eric Decker as he would now be considered team's No. 1 option in the passing game. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury has derailed Decker for a large chunk of the season, but keep an eye out for him this Sunday against Aqib Talib. This will be Decker's first game facing his former Broncos, so he will certainly look to make a huge impact.

A key contributor to Geno Smith's struggles this season has been the offensive line's inability to protect him from pressure. Smith has constantly taken monstrous hits by opposing defensive lineman, which could result in a DeMarcus Ware field day. Right tackle Breno Giacomini will have his hands full, attempting to block seven-time Pro-Bowler.

Inefficiency through the air has shifted the main focus onto Jets running back Chris Ivory. Ivory will be expected to shoulder the load offensively, primarily when Smith begins to struggle, something that is more than likely to occur. He has found major success thus far in the ground game, which will make or break the Jets this week. If Denver's run defense can contain the bulldog Ivory, this game should turn into a blowout very early on.

There is no doubt Peyton Manning has been slobbering at the opportunity to face a depleted New York secondary. The Jets' defensive backs have accumulated a grand total of one interception through five games, forcing the defensive line to put as much pressure on the opposing quarterback as possible. Look at the Jets' best defensive player, Muhammad Wilkerson, against Denver's LT Ryan Clady as a key matchup in terms of putting pressure on Manning.

New York has been torched game after game by inferior wide receivers due to poor play by their defensive backs, presenting Denver's stud receiver Emmanuel Sanders a shot at obliterating the Jets. Sanders has caught more than 30 passes through four games for a whopping 435 yards. If the Jets' secondary can somewhat neutralize Sanders, they may have a slim chance at winning this game. If not, I feel sorry for Jets fans nationwide.