Let's continue our look at Sunday's big battle put in Denver by talking a little bit about 4 of the most critical matchups that could decide the outcome and who has the advantage heading into the game:

MATCHUP #1: Ronnie Brown/Ricky Williams vs Broncos' Front 7
We talked yesterday about how bad the Broncos are in stopping the run.  I highlighted how Denver is 30th against the run and are surrendering 5.4 yards per carry.  But the stat I really wanted to highlight here - one that I did point out previously, but deserves extra attention - is that the Broncos, in their 3 losses, have given up an average of 208 yards per game and 5.95 yards per carry.  That's ridiculous - and almost comical.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins have struggled to run the ball over the past 3 games and need to get back on track.  This is the opportunity that Ricky and Ronnie have been waiting for.  But we also can't forget that Miami's offensive line needs to play better in terms of creating holes for these 2 talented backs to run through.  Denver's defensive line, from what I've seen, seems like it's built more for pass rushing than for stopping the run.  They don't really get much penetration in run defense.  So it'll be up to guys like Jake Long, Justin Smiley, and Vernon Carey to win the battle at the line of scrimmage and give Ronnie and Ricky room to operate.  Advantage: Dolphins

MATCHUP #2: Joey Porter vs Broncos' Offensive Line
While many are putting a lot of emphasis on how Miami's secondary will deal with Denver's receivers (and we'll get to that), I think that is matchup is just as important - if not more.  The Broncos have done a terrific job in keeping their quarterback upright.  They've allowed just 5 sacks all season and Football Outsiders have Denver's OL ranked 4th in the NFL in "adjusted sack percentage."  That means, in a nutshell, they do a good job of keeping their QB clean.

Of course, the Broncos haven't gone up against a pass rusher like Joey Porter this season.  Porter, leading the league with 10.5 sacks, is on pace to potentially have a record-setting sack season.  It'll be interesting to see how Paul Pasqualoni use Porter.  Will he rush the left side of Denver's line, being matched up with rookie Ryan Clady?  Or will they let Porter rush over on the right side of Denver's line against 2nd year tackle Ryan Harris?  Either way, though, both are inexperienced.  Considering that Porter dominated pro-bowl LT Jason Peters last week, I really don't see how these two young tackles would be able to consistently keep Porter away from Jay Cutler.  Advantage: Dolphins

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