It’s that time of the year again. No, not Christmastime, but scoreboard-watching time. Thankfully for the Denver Broncos most of the other contenders for the AFC’s two wildcard spots will have played by the time they play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field. But first things first. A win would go a long way in getting Denver back into the playoffs for the first time since 2005. Three things to look for in Sunday’s game:

_RB Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy vs. Denver’s front seven:

Westbrook has played in just six games this season, but the former NFL All-Pro has been cleared to play Sunday. Westbrook and rookie McCoy will be looking to exploit a Denver defense that allowed 241 yards on the ground in last week’s loss to Oakland. Denver’s defense must find a way to disrupt the Philadelphia backfield because with quarterback Donovan McNabb and deep threat DeSean Jackson likely to find openings in the passing game, if the Eagles can run the ball as well it will be a long day for the Broncos.

_Brian Dawkins, Correll Buckhalter return to Philly:

A lot can be said for playing with emotion. When the New England Patriots came to Invesco Field earlier this year, Josh McDaniels had his team ready to go in his own personal game against his mentor Bill Belichick. Dawkins, the emotional leader of the Eagles defense for many years, and workhorse running back Buckhalter could give Denver the lift it needs to steal a key road victory and push the Broncos one step closer to the playoffs.

_Broncos vs. the scoreboard:

Denver’s game is scheduled for a 4:15 p.m. Eastern kickoff Sunday. By the time the Broncos take the field, Tennessee will have already played San Diego at home on Christmas night, Houston will have battled Miami, Baltimore will have played Pittsburgh and Jacksonville will have finished up its game with New England. The Titans, Texans, Dolphins, Ravens, Steelers and Jaguars are battling, along with Denver, for a wildcard spot with two weeks left to go. In earnest, the scoreboard watching will be in full-speed mode as only one game separates these teams.

Fantasy watch: Brandon Marshall

When the Broncos need a big-time performance, it has come from Marshall. He has a touchdown in each of the past three games and six over the last six. He’s also caught at least six passes in the last four games, including his 21-catch, 200-yard performance at Indianapolis two weeks ago. Philadelphia’s 14th-ranked pass defense will pose a threat, but quarterback Kyle Orton should look for Marshall early and often in this one.

Injury report:

RB Correll Buckhalter, S Renaldo Hill and LB D.J. Williams were all limited in practice Thursday due to ankle injuries. CB Ty Law (hamstring) and WR Eddie Royal (neck) did not practice. S David Bruton participated despite battling illness.

--- MICHAEL HICKS.