Von Miller emphasized the importance of the Denver Broncos Week 4 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. A win would make the Broncos 4-0 and provide some legitimacy to the hot start that they’ve seen this season.

But as always, Miller and other key players must win their individual matchups. If so, the Denver Broncos have a good chance to upend the vaunted Ravens.

The ultimate team game consists of individual matchups resulting in one collective outcome. Success on offense or defense heavily is influenced by whether key players win their rep each play. Most NFL contests come down to one score. In those games, many times a handful of plays determines the outcome of a game.

Every week, two key individual matchups are examined for the Broncos to get a win in each game.

This week, Denver faces their toughest opponent yet in the 2-1 Ravens. Like Denver, Baltimore is trying to maintain first place in its division (AFC North). The John Harbaugh-coached team will try and establish its physicality. The Ravens will want to beat up Denver on both sides of the ball.

This season, the Ravens suffered a lot of injuries early this season but have found a way to win games. The Broncos have suffered significant losses themselves. In spite of their poor luck with injuries, they must find a way to win and establish themselves as a real contender in the AFC.

To get to 4-0, these individual players have to play big this Sunday.

Key individual matchup: Broncos Teddy Bridgewater must be turnover-free against Humphrey and the Ravens defense

Two-time Pro Bowler and 2019 All-Pro Marlon Humphrey presents a significant challenge. The top Ravens defender brings great size and cover skills.

The 25-year-old defensive back is a true shutdown corner. Usually, opponents steer clear of him, and the Broncos will likely do the same for the most part. However, with limited available wide receivers, Teddy Bridgewater will have to pick his spots.

So far this season, Humphrey has been good but not elite in years past. Pro Football Focus graded him out with a 70.2 on the young season. It’s safe to assume he’ll regain his top form before the season ends. Meaning, Bridgewater must be careful in attacking the Ravens’ top cornerback.

Bridgewater has been nothing short of amazing this season. His accuracy has been more than advertised.

He’ll need to continue his elite (so far this season) ball placement to ensure this offense remains turnover free. The Broncos may have a tough time running the ball with one or both starting guards out, so Bridgewater must have a good day throwing the ball.

If Bridgewater continues to hit his guys like this throw to Tim Patrick, the Broncos will have a good chance to find success offensively this Sunday.

Key individual matchup: Broncos defense including Dre’Mont Jones must get to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense

There is a doubt about the availability of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for this game.

If Jackson plays, which is likely, he will be limited in his effectiveness. Jackson is a player who can evade defenders and gaining bug chunks on the ground. A back injury may limit his ability to run and absorb hits. This can result in the Ravens calling more traditional drop-back play calls.

Though Jackson is a phenomenal runner, he’s a more than capable passer from the pocket.

Like most quarterbacks, Jackson can get rushed and make questionable decisions throwing the ball. To impact his comfort, Broncos’ defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones must create havoc inside.

Jones has played phenomenally so far this season. Although his statistics do not pop out from the box score, he has been dominant. Over the first three-game stretch to start the season, Jones has been a huge piece for the Broncos’ top-flight defense.

Jones’ ability to wreck a pass play will be needed versus the Ravens this Sunday. He shows phenomenal get-off and a variety of pass rush moves to get to the quarterback.

Jones is also a defensive lineman capable of bringing down mobile quarterbacks. Against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Jones is able to get home quickly before the quarterback can evade the pocket.

The Ravens have a solid offensive line, but Jones should win his matchups often. If Jackson happens to be closer to 100 percent, Jones must also continue to factor into the running game.

Here he beats his man to tackle the ball carrier for a seven-yard loss. To stop the NFL’s top-ranked rushing attack, Jones must create penetration as he did last week.

If Jones can beat up the Ravens inside, it will help speed Jackson’s clock up as a passer. Jackson rushing his throws will lead to opportunities for turnovers. Jackson, a former NFL MVP, has thrown three interceptions in three games and it is likely this defense can get another one (or two) Sunday. Additionally, Jones blowing up the zone-read looks of the Ravens will go a long way in helping the Broncos win this key conference matchup.