The Denver Broncos passed their first NFC West test.
Now the Broncos (2-1) head to the Bay for the 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 the latest thrilling, come-from-behind win to help them overcome this next challenge in a potent offense led by Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey that moves the ball and scores a lot of points.
FanDuel Sportsbook has Denver as the road +2.5-point underdog on Sunday.
The total sits at 47.5 points, with a lean toward the under at -115.
Offensive Rankings
San 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).
Defensive Rankings
San 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.
Run the ball
The slow starts are 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. Of the 22 offensive snaps in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams, the Broncos only had eight rushes. That needs to change against the 49ers. It not only helps bring balance to Denver’s offense, if successful, but it also helps eat the clock and keep that San Francisco offense on the sideline. Not to mention, you keep the 49ers defense on their heels a bit more, which helps set up play action for Nix. Just don’t be so predictable at the start of the game. — Ian St. Clair
Make Brock Purdy uncomfortable
Same as last week. This game will be determined by the pass rush. Last week, they got four sacks and made Matthew Stafford rush his decisions at times, which led to a pick-six and a game-sealing interception. They need to get Purdy seeing ghosts out there, because we all know the Broncos offense will not be getting things going until the second half again. — Tim Lynch
Stop the run
The Broncos need to get their running game going this weekend. They can’t continue to struggle in this regard. On top of that, they have to stop the duo of Christian McCaffrey and rookie Kaelon Black. Controlling the pace of the game on the road in San Francisco will be important for Denver to find a way to win. — Christopher Hart
Win the turnover battle
Three games in, the 49ers are sitting right at zero in turnover differential. They’ve lost and taken one interception and one fumble each so far. Likewise, the Broncos are at a zero turnover differential, with four interceptions and zero fumble recoveries vs three interceptions and one fumble lost. Nix needs to play his first turnover-free game of the season against one of the NFL’s five remaining undefeated teams, and the defense needs to keep ballhawking. — Taylor Kothe
Play four quarters
All this second-half comeback stuff is fun, but it’s not sustainable. It falls on the offense to show up early. It’s like Davis Webb needs to see what the opposing defense does for half the game before he starts calling a good game. That probably won’t work against a good 49ers defense. — Adam Malnati
