The Denver Broncos passed their first test in the NFC West.
Today the Broncos (2-1) head to the Bay for an immediate follow-up against the San Francisco 49ers (3-0). And it certainly doesn’t get any easier for Denver.
Bo Nix and the Broncos will use their latest thrilling, come from behind win to help them overcome their next challenge with a high-powered offense led by Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey who move the ball and score a lot of points.
FanDuel Sportsbook has Denver as a road +2.5-point underdog on Sunday. The total sits at 47.5 points, with a tilt towards the bottom at -115.
Saint Fran: Fifth in total offense (399.3 yards per game), sixth in rushing offense (136.3 YPG), seventh in passing offense (263 YPG), second in scoring offense (32.7 points per game).
Denver: Twenty-eighth in total offense (275 yards per game), 31st in rushing offense (81 YPG), 22nd in passing offense (194 YPG), 21st in scoring offense (20 points per game).
Saint Fran: Ninth in total defense (313 yards per game), 15th in rushing defense (105.7 YPG), 15th in passing defense (207.3 YPG), tied for third in scoring defense (16.7 points per game).
Denver: Twenty-ninth in total defense (380.7 yards per game), 30th in rushing defense (143.7 YPG), 25th in passing defense (237.0 YPG), 17th in scoring defense (23.3 points per game).
Here are the MHR staff’s keys to Sunday’s game.
The slow start was the focal point for the Broncos, especially on offense. The best way to help Denver get into an offensive rhythm is by running the ball. In 22 offensive snaps in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams, the Broncos managed just eight rushes. That needs to change against the 49ers. Not only does this help balance Denver’s offense, if successful, but it also helps eat up time and keep San Francisco’s offense on the sidelines. Not to mention, you keep the 49ers defense on their heels more, which helps set up the play action for Nix. Just don’t be too predictable at the beginning of the game. — Ian St. Clair
Make Brock Purdy uncomfortable
Just like last week. This game will be defined by the pass rush. Last week, they had four sacks and Matthew Stafford made his decisions rush at times, leading to a pick-six and a game-sealing interception. They and Purdy need to see the ghosts out there, because we all know the Broncos offense isn’t going to happen until the second half again. — Tim Lynch
The Broncos need to get their running game going this weekend. They cannot continue to struggle in this matter. On top of that, they have to stop the duo of Christian McCaffrey and rookie Kaelon Black. Controlling the pace of the road game in San Francisco will be crucial for Denver to find a way to win. — Christopher Hart
Through three games, the 49ers are sitting at zero in turnover differential. They lost and had one interception and one fumble each so far. Also, the Broncos are at a zero turnover differential, with four interceptions and zero fumble recoveries vs three interceptions and one fumble lost. Nix will have to play his first turnover-free game of the season against one of the NFL’s five remaining undefeated teams, and the defense will have to keep ballhawking. — Taylor Kothe
All this second-half comeback stuff was fun, but it wasn’t sustainable. Showing up early is at fault. It’s like Davis Webb needs to see what the opposing defense is doing for half the game before he starts calling good plays. That probably won’t work against a good 49ers defense. — Adam Malnati