Peyton Manning
Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will try to whip a Broncos' passing game, ranked 31st in the NFL last season, into shape. Reuters

The Arizona Cardinals host the Denver Broncos at University of Phoenix Stadium on Thursday night in the final preseason game for both clubs.

Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt has made the quarterback controversy even more interesting by deciding to sit both Kevin Kolb and John Skelton. Rookie Ryan Lindley gets the nod instead, and will be working with a questionable offensive line.

The offensive line is a bit of a concern for Arizona. Left tackle Levi Brown was placed on injured reserve after tearing his triceps against the Raiders on Aug.17, and right guard Adam Snyder is not expected to play.

Wide receiver Michael Floyd has had a quiet preseason, but the first-round pick caught two passes against the Titans on Aug. 23. Floyd may figure prominently against Denver.

Peyton Manning will rest for Denver, which means Caleb Hanie and rookie Brock Osweiler should receive plenty of action at quarterback.

Running back Ronnie Hillman might be one to watch for the Broncos. The 2012 third-round pick has been hamstrung for much of camp, and is coming off a game against the San Francisco 49ers where he carried the ball 10 times, and also had a reception. Hillman is expected to be the fourth ball-carrier for Denver in the 2012 season, but can be featured as an all-purpose back.

On the other side of the ball, head coach John Fox has said he is looking for improvement on the defensive line.

The Broncos and Cardinals each start the season on Sunday, Sept. 9. The Cardinals will face the Seattle Seahawks, while the Broncos will face the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Broncos-Cardinals game starts at 9:00 pm mountain time, and can we watched online here: https://preseason.nfl.com/nflpl/secure/packages?ttv=5&ttp=3

Prediction: Cardinals over Broncos, 29-17

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