Broncos vs. Chargers: Players Other Than Peyton Manning Who Will Help Denver Win

Demaryius Thomas must step up for the Broncos vs. the Chargers.
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Peyton Manning was thought to be the savior of the Denver Broncos heading into this season.

However, as we've found out, Manning has to get help if the Broncos are to succeed. This is especially true against the San Diego Chargers.

While Manning has had his struggles, there have also been issues with receivers catching the ball and stopping the run game.

Here's a look at three players who will step up and lead Denver to victory on Monday Night Football.

Demaryius Thomas

Dropped passes have been an issue for Demaryius Thomas.
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Demaryius Thomas has had trouble with ball security all year.

With lost fumbles in three straight games, Thomas has to get that under control if he wants to be considered an elite receiver.

He already has the stats, now he has to get the intangibles right for him to be put at the top.

Thomas has three 100-yard receiving games this year, including 180 yards last week against New England.

He's struggled in three games against San Diego in his career, and Monday's game will be his time to shine. It's on a national stage, and all eyes will be on him.

If he shines, he'll start to earn the respect he deserves. If he fumbles, then the criticism will continue to come.

Tracy Porter

Tracy Porter must step up in the Broncos are to win.
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There are good things and bad things about having Champ Bailey as one of your cornerbacks.

The good thing is, when he's thrown at, it's going to be a tough completion. The bad thing is those are few and far between.

That's where Tracy Porter comes into the equation.

Considered a huge offseason acquisition, Porter will see the ball coming his way from San Diego quarterback Phillip Rivers. It's not that Porter is not a good corner, it's just Bailey is a great corner, and Rivers won't take many chances.

Porter opened the season with an interception return for a touchdown and five pass deflections against Pittsburgh. By being a ball hawk like he was then, Denver will no doubt see success against Rivers and company.

Rivers has five interceptions on the year, so the chances will be there for Porter.

Von Miller

Von Miller is becoming one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
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San Diego ranks 17th in the NFL both passing and rushing yards.

The thing about the Chargers is that one player won't get a majority of the carries. Ryan Matthews and Jackie Battle each have 36 carries this year. That trend should continue against the Broncos.

Von Miller will be instrumental in not only stopping the run, but also in getting pressure on Rivers in passing situations. He currently has five sacks on the year and should increase that by at least one during this game.

While his tackle numbers aren't where many would like them to be, that's more of a credit to the other Denver linebackers. They're getting to the ball just as quickly, which doesn't force Miller to have to make all of the plays.

Still, it's Monday Night Football and big players show up on a big stage. Miller will show up and make his presence felt throughout the game.

He didn't show up in Denver's other Monday game against the Atlanta Falcons. Miller knows he has a lot to prove on the national stage, and a game against the division rivals is the perfect time.