Game Preview: Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders

Pat Surtain II vs. Davante Adams

For as long as Surtain and Davante Adams face off, there’s a good chance the battle will be the matchup of the game.

In Week 1, Surtain shadowed Adams on 16-of-26 routes and held the All-Pro receiver to two catches for 11 yards, according to Next Gen Stats. Surtain also recorded a career-high three pass breakups as Adams received five targets during the game.

With running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Michael Mayer ruled out for the game, Surtain’s responsibility becomes that much more important. If he can slow Adams, the Raiders will be forced to turn to secondary weapons. In Week 1, Jakobi Meyers caught nine passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns to hurt Denver — and the Broncos must find a way to stop him, as well. Still, the defensive task likely begins with neutralizing Adams.

“I look forward to it each and every time we play,” Surtain said. “Obviously he’s a great receiver, I’m a great cornerback. Going up against him, iron sharpens iron. It’s going to be a great matchup.”

Adams heads into Sunday’s game following a highly productive Week 17 showing. In a loss to the Colts, Adams caught 13 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns on a season-high 21 targets. The veteran receiver has now posted a pair of games this season with at least 10 catches, 125 yards and two touchdowns.

What does Jarrett Stidham have in store for an encore?

In his first start as a Bronco, Jarrett Stidham played a solid, turnover-free game. He completed 20-of-32 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown and a 93.8 quarterback rating — and he earned his first NFL win.

“Our job is to score,” Payton said Monday. “We had opportunities in the tight red [zone vs. the Chargers] and certainly down at the 1-yard line. That’s the first thing. I thought Jarrett did a good job — after seeing the tape — with his…