DENVER — As long as they keep score, head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos want to win.

That will remain the case as the Broncos host the Cardinals on Sunday at 2:30 PM MT to conclude their preseason schedule.

“They’re keeping score, (and) we want to win,” Payton said Friday. “And then we want to show improvement.”

That task will largely fall on the shoulders of Denver’s reserves, as Payton said only “a handful” of starters will see playing time.

But in the final practice match against Arizona, there is still a lot at stake.

Some players are competing for a spot on the roster, while others are looking to improve their game for the regular season.

Here are a few things to watch for when the Broncos take on the Cardinals:

HOW ARE THE BRONCOS’ QUARTERBACKS PERFORMING?

After Bo Nix took the starting position earlier this week, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson take the lead on Sunday.

Payton said Stidham will have “eight to 12 chances” before Wilson enters the game for an extended period.

Stidham will look to lead the Broncos to points for the second straight game, while Wilson will get valuable practice with the Division II team.

“This is going to be a good test, a good opportunity for Zach to find work in the second wave,” Payton said Friday.

As Payton explained, it can be tough to evaluate the quarterback position “if the other elements aren’t working.” On Sunday, Payton will get a chance to see Wilson compete with a different group of players.

Through two games, Stidham has completed 11 of 18 passes for 102 yards and two interceptions, while Wilson has completed 12 of 19 touchdown attempts and has a quarterback rating of 104.3.

While both players are looking to play their best football, Payton said the Broncos have “a pretty good idea of ​​the direction we’re going” at the quarterback position ahead of the roster cut.

“I think we’re keeping a close eye on that room, specifically,” Payton said. “We’re not going to announce anything yet, but I like — I’ve said it, I’ll say it again — I like the room.”

WHICH STARTERS ARE SEEING ACTION — AND WHAT DO THEY LOOK LIKE?

Payton said Friday that “a number of key players” will not play against the Cardinals, but he said three or four key players could still play.

One of the players Payton mentioned: safety Brandon Jones, who has not played in preseason after suffering a hamstring injury early in training camp.

Jones joined the Broncos in the offseason as one of their top free-agent signings, but Denver is eager to see him play live ahead of Week 1 in Seattle.

“That’s always a concern because playing football and being in the meeting room is obviously different,” Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph said Thursday. “It’s important for him to be back there and get reps. We’re playing next week, so yeah. If guys miss time, it’s critical for them to get back on the field and also keep an eye on their academics off the field. Playing the game is playing the game. It’s not on the sidelines.”

Jones is probably one of the most intriguing players to watch, and Broncos fans will get to see him in action for the first time.

Payton also mentioned cornerback Levi Wallace as one of the players likely to play, but it will be interesting to see which other starters are in the starting lineup on Sunday.

CAN THE 2024 DRAFT CHOICES MAKE AN IMPRESSION?

This final pre-season preseason should give a lot of players a chance to make a final impression, and it’s possible that some of the Broncos’ draft picks will put in strong performances.

Payton said rookie Audric Estime will see action and that the fifth-round pick will look to build on a career start in which he carried the ball 14 times for 45 yards (3.2 yards per attempt) and a touchdown.

Outside linebacker Jonah Elliss and wide receiver Devaughn Vele are among the Broncos’ other draft picks who have had strong training camps, with Elliss having two sacks in two games. Depending on how many snaps they get, Elliss and Vele could still make an impact.

Cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine and wide receiver Troy Franklin also appear to fit the bill as Phase 2 or Phase 3 players who Payton said would see action. Franklin will look to show his potential in his final preseason opportunity.