The Denver Broncos are preparing for their upcoming matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in their second preseason game. In case you need to know how to tune in, I wrote an article outlining everything you'll need to know.

Sean Payton, months ago, said that starters would be playing in the preseason and he's stayed true to his word as Russell Wilson and company saw substantial playing time in their first matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. In case you missed it, here were my takeaways from the game.

Now, let's dive in and take a look at some players to watch for the upcoming preseason showdown.

RB Javonte Williams

We're going to get our first real look at Williams and his recovery. Williams is going to be a crucial piece to this team's success so getting him some action in the preseason not only makes us fans excited but gives the front office a look at their star RB1. 

Williams has gone viral with his workouts, basically telling the organization to start him, and his outlook for the upcoming season is through the roof. Last year, Williams finished with only four games in which he started all four. He finished with 47 attempts for 204 yards on the ground and added 16 receptions for 76 yards in the air before being lost for the season.

Look for Williams to make a difference early and often as he's been hungrier than ever to return to action. If the offensive line can hold up, it should be a huge day for Williams in the backfield.

S JL Skinner

Broncos fans are going to get a really good look at Skinner in this next preseason matchup. With P.J. Locke going down with an injury, it's the next-man-up type mentality for the safety position.

The sixth-round pick, if he were able to ball out, could force the organization's hand in giving him more playing time. As the injury bug continues to wreak havoc on the organization, Skinner playing well could do wonders at depth for the already stout secondary.

QB Russell Wilson

Let's be honest, the entire success of the team rides on the shoulders of QB1. With Wilson having a shaky start to the first game thanks to the offensive line, he managed to finish strong after a walk-in touchdown to Jerry Jeudy.

Wilson, as of late, has been balling out in camp and in order for the team to take the important next step this season, Wilson is going to have to have a monster year. We can't have any more seasons like last year or the organization may be forced to make a drastic change.

Anytime your QB1 suits up for a preseason game, with any sort of question surrounding his ability, he's going to land on our players to watch. Here's hoping the offensive line can hold up long enough for him to have a successful day. The 49ers have a dominant pass rush, here's hoping the Broncos have a trick up their sleeve to protect Wilson.

Our honorable mention goes to a man that I have personally written extensively about, RB Jaleel McLaughlin. McLaughlin found his way on the outside looking in on the team's unofficial depth chart but shined in his limited role in the preseason game one. With his dominance late, he should be in line for more touches.

We're just happy football is back. Here's hoping the team can clean up a few of its issues and not break our hearts with a last-second loss. Even if it's the preseason, it still hurts.

Broncos S P.J. Locke suffers an apparent left leg injury and needs to be carted off the field

The Denver Broncos just cannot stay healthy. A scary incident at the last practice could spell disaster for the Broncos’ secondary. This is not looking good.

Featured image via Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports