For Sean Payton, the Broncos’ preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams is important for a number of reasons — not all of which have to do with what happens on the field.

Saturday will not only be Payton’s first time coaching in front of Broncos fans at Empower Field at Mile High since he was hired, but an opportunity for new team members to get a feel for the stadium, locker room and, yes, how to get there.

“We all like routine, so once you do it, you’re used to it,” Payton said.

Providing another glimpse inside the mind of the detail-oriented head coach, Payton went all the way back to his first season in New Orleans to illustrate the importance of such routine.

It was 2006, and the Saints were about to play their first home game of the season when quarterback Drew Brees was stuck in traffic two hours before kick-off. Payton said Brees had to get sheriffs to escort him, but when he arrived at the stadium, his car got stuck in the parking garage. “You can’t make this up,” he said.

“I’m sitting there, and I’m like, ‘Glad you could make it,’” Payton said. “I’m just a mess now because he’s (normally at the stadium) four hours before the game. I’m like, ‘What part of his routine is getting tossed?’ You don’t take any of that for granted.”

Payton being Payton, the head coach held a meeting Thursday to discuss parking, arrival time and traffic for the 7 p.m. kick at Empower Field.

“If (it) can happen with your starting quarterback, it certainly can happen with any coach or player on the roster,” he said.

Outside of traffic patterns, here’s a few other items to keep an eye on in the Broncos’ third and final preseason game:

Wide receiver depth

Denver’s wide receiver depth has taken a beating throughout training camp. First, Tim Patrick tore his left Achilles. Then KJ Hamler got waived with a non-football illness designation due to pericarditis. On Thursday, Jerry Jeudy suffered a right hamstring injury that will keep him out for several weeks, putting his status for Week 1 in jeopardy.

Saturday is an opportunity for some players on the roster to make a case for the second and third wideout spots, including rookie Marvin Mims Jr.

Mims has made progress after being limited at the start of camp due to a hamstring injury. Payton said Denver’s second-round pick will “play quite a bit” against the Rams.

“We have been impressed with him,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said. “Hopefully, he keeps developing and keeps performing as he has. We are optimistic about him.”

Wide receiver Brandon Johnson is ramping up after missing some time with an ankle injury. However, it’s unclear whether he will play. Wide receivers Marquez Callaway and Lil’Jordan Humphrey are familiar with Payton’s offense, while Kendall Hinton has shown flashes over the past two days at practice.

Will the starters play?

Payton said a few starters will play against the Rams, but he did specify which ones.

Last week, Denver’s projected first-team played around 20 snaps. If the starters play on Saturday, they will probably play for a series or two before calling it a night.

Sanders making his mark

Broncos rookie inside linebacker Drew Sanders has made strides each week. He recorded a team-best six tackles against the San Francisco 49ers. And on Thursday, he was making plays everywhere on the field during joint practice with the Rams.

Sanders will have a key role this season. He has proven that he can impact the game in many ways, whether it’s special teams, matching up against tight ends, or blitzing the quarterback.

Flash a few times on Saturday, and Sanders can solidify his standing as a player on the rise.

“Week 1 of the preseason to Week 2 was significant,” Payton said. “I would say it was that way on defense for him, and it was that way in the kicking game.”

One last impression

Outside the wide receivers, a handful of players will use Saturday to make one last impression.

“Everyone this time of the year understands what’s at stake,” Payton said. “The players, as well as the coaches and front office people. All these snaps are important.”

Defensive back Essang Bassey has a chance to strengthen his case for a roster spot. He has recorded two interceptions through two preseason games. He also picked off Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford at practice on Thursday.

Defensive lineman Elijah Garcia has been solid in preseason. Against the 49ers, he totaled a pair of tackles, a quarterback hit and an interception. Running back Jaleel McLaughlin appears to have secured a roster spot, but another strong performance wouldn’t hurt.

Payton has been impressed with some of the undrafted offensive linemen on the roster, especially tackle Alex Palczewski.

“​​Sometimes offensive linemen are hard to get,” Payton said. “We were able to sign a pretty good class of undrafted offensive linemen that has helped us and will help us, not only this year but in the future. I’m encouraged.”

Late-game collapses

Denver’s last two games were winnable. Unfortunately, the Broncos fell flat down the stretch, as they allowed the Cardinals and 49ers to overcome fourth-quarter deficits.

Against San Francisco, the Broncos were up by eight points with less than six minutes remaining when quarterback Trey Lance threw a 22-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 20-18.

Lance, the 49ers’ third-string quarterback, later led an 8-play, 64-yard scoring drive that ended with a game-winning field goal by kicker Jake Moody.

Yes, the starters were not on the field. But Denver’s late-game collapse presents a pressing issue: depth at the back end of the roster.

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