The Denver Broncos are still riding an emotional high following their most recent comeback victory over the Los Angeles Rams, but they'll need to be focused on the task at hand this Sunday as they face another stern test against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers are one of five teams that have yet to have a blemish put on their record this season.
For the Broncos to hang the first defeat of the season on the 49ers, there will be several key matchups that they may need to get the best of. For the record, Denver has not won on the road in San Francisco since September 2002. In that game, the Broncos rushed for 201 yards and just outworked the 49ers.
It would be nice for the Broncos to post a 200-yard game on the ground on Sunday, but they will
likely need to find a different avenue to victory. Here are the matchups to look for in this one.
Broncos' key matchups vs. 49ers in Week 4
Que Robinson vs. Colton McKivitz
On one side of the field, Nik Bonitto will have to take on Trent Williams, one of the best left tackles the league has ever seen. Though Bonitto is talented, the edge goes to Williams there. But on the other side, rotational pass rusher Que Robinson could make some noise in this game.
Colton McKivitz has become a valuable right tackle for San Francisco, but Robinson's quickness off the edge could be a factor in this game. If he can get into the 49ers' backfield and throw off Brock Purdy's rhythm, even if he doesn't register sacks, it could help the Broncos slow down this offensive attack.
Jaylen Waddle vs. Renardo Green
The Broncos are just a much better team overall when Jaylen Waddle is making plays.
In two of three games this season, Waddle has been bottled up and held to two catches or less. But in the other game, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Waddle was one of the biggest reasons for the team's win, catching eight passes for 138 yards.
The Broncos need to get Waddle involved early and often in this game and take advantage of a potential matchup with cornerback Renardo Green to bring positive results.
Broncos safeties vs. George Kittle
When the 49ers have the ball, George Kittle might be the scariest player for this defense to try and contain. The tight end will be too much for inside linebackers Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad, so the Broncos will need to use former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga, last week's hero, and Brandon Jones to attempt to slow him down.
Kittle has scored three touchdowns in the last two weeks and you can bet he'll be a huge part of the 49ers' game plan on offense. These safeties need to be prepared to keep him in check.
Ja'Quan McMillian vs. Brandin Cooks
This one has to go on here just because of what happened in last year's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.
Ja'Quan McMillian stole this pass from Brandin Cooks, then a member of the Bills, turning the play into an interception and helping the Broncos reach the AFC Championship Game.
Cooks recently signed with the 49ers' practice squad and he will be elevated for this game due to the team dealing with injuries at the position, namely to Mike Evans, who is questionable for this game.
Cooks, who still denies that it was an interception in that playoff game, would likely love to make a big play or two in this game and to do it against McMillian would be even sweeter for him. McMillian needs to be up to the challenge.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: 4 matchups to watch when Broncos face 49ers in Week 4
