The Broncos are one game away from closing the preseason.

Denver travels to New Orleans on Saturday after beating the 49ers and Cardinals in exhibition play. Here are three things to watch ahead of the Broncos’ preseason finale against the Saints.

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1. Starter snaps

Coach Sean Payton estimates that starting players will get 8 to 10 snaps in New Orleans. That is a departure from a typical third preseason game when roster depth is examined to make final cuts (more on that later). But two joint practices in training camp altered Payton’s strategy with very few starters playing last week against the Cardinals. That will change on Saturday with quarterback Bo Nix and others getting one last chance to knock off rust before the regular season. A strong showing will build confidence ahead of Week 1 against the Titans at home on Sept. 7.

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2. Running back splits

J.K Dobbins and RJ Harvey are locks to make the 53-man roster. Which other running backs will join them? Jaleel McLaughlin is a favorite considering his trust built with Payton over the last two seasons. The other contenders — Tyler Badie, Blake Watson and Audric Estime — are likely in competition for just one spot. Badie might be the most explosive option. Remember Week 3 last season? He ran for 70 yards on just nine carries against the Buccaneers. Watson and Estime are more traditional power backs. Estime feels like an odd-man-out after limited preseason game reps. That could change with a strong finish.

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3. Surprise performance

Last year, in the preseason finale against the Cardinals, Broncos defensive lineman Jordan Jackson logged two sacks. The ex-Air Force standout later made the 53-man roster for the first time in his NFL career. That’s no coincidence. Denver faces some difficult cut decisions — especially at wide receiver, defensive back, offensive line and defensive line. Players are judged by their entire body of work over training camp and preseason. But making a strong impression at the end might be the difference between being on the roster and a practice squad invitation. Jobs will be on the line this Saturday.

Briefly. The Broncos waived defensive back Gregory Junior from injured reserve on Friday with an injury settlement, according to the NFL transaction wire. Junior suffered a hamstring on Aug. 14 during joint practice with the Cardinals.