Cardinals vs. Broncos: 5 key matchups

The Arizona Cardinals face the Denver Broncos on Sunday at State Farm Stadium. They are once again underdogs at home, but are coming off a win. The Broncos are 4-2 and coming off a win over the world champion Seattle Seahawks. There are a number of matchups to watch in this game that will matter. Ma

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What is the story about?

The Arizona Cardinals face the Denver Broncos on Sunday at State Farm Stadium. They are once again underdogs at home, but are coming off a win. The Broncos are 4-2 and coming off a win over the world champion Seattle Seahawks.

There are a number of matchups to watch in this game that will matter.

Matchup 1: Broncos DT Zach Allen vs. Cardinals RG Hayden Conner

Conner gets his first NFL start with Jon Gaines out with knee and ankle injuries. Allen, an All-Pro, leads the Broncos with 4.5 sacks and 16 QB hits. We can't expect Conner to stonewall Allen, but he can't let Allen wreck the game.

Matchup 2: Cardinals OLB Josh Sweat vs. Broncos LT Garett Bolles

Sweat appeared to finally be in form last week. He had a sack and forced a fumble on a two-point attempt. Bolles is an All-Pro left tackle. Sweat did well against the Rams' backup left tackle. Was that why he looked good, or is he finally back to what

he did last season?

Matchup 3: Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett vs. Broncos DBs

Brissett has thrown interceptions in three straight games, and has been picked off five times in the last three weeks. The Broncos picked off Sam Darnold twice in Week 6 and have seven interceptions on defense on the season.

Denver has gotten three takeaways in two straight games.

Matchup 4: Cardinals TE Trey McBride vs. Broncos LBs, S

McBride enters the week tied for the league lead with 49 receptions. However, he hasn't averaged more than nine yards a catch since Week 1. He has averaged less than eight per catch in four of his last five games.

Can he finally break free?

Matchup 5: Tyler Allgeier, Bam Knight vs. Broncos bad run defense

The Broncos have allowed 4.7 yards per carry this season. Knight had 80 rushing yards on 15 carries last week, including a 31-yarder.

If the Cardinals struggle to run the ball, it will be a long game. They have a chance to beat a 4-2 Broncos team if they can run the ball effectively.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.