The Denver Broncos (2-1) are coming off a huge win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, and face another NFC West foe in the San Francisco 49ers (3-0) in Week 4. We asked Kyle Madson of Niners Wire five questions about the 49ers ahead of the game on Sunday. Check out our questions and Kyle's answers below.
1) How big was it for the 49ers to get back Dre Greenlaw after the Broncos released him in the 2026 offseason?
It was significant insofar as they haven't been able to find an adequate replacement for him. In 2024 they struggled to find a short-term solution while he recovered from the Achilles tear he suffered in the Super Bowl. Last season they had 2023 sixth-round pick Dee Winters starting at the Will LB spot Greenlaw typically occupies. While Winters acquitted himself well, he wasn't quite as good as Greenlaw. His physicality has always been his
calling card and we've seen that permeate throughout the entire 49ers defense this season. That group hits and it's not a surprise that manifested itself right when Greenlaw stepped back in next to Fred Warner. Their ability to control the middle of the field has been a key factor to the 49ers' defensive success since Greenlaw arrived as a fifth-round pick in 2019.
2) What has been the defining factor of the 49ers' undefeated start in 2026?
There are a handful of things, but it's Brock Purdy. He's been outstanding in just about every facet. He made one mistake vs. the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, but since that second-quarter interception he's been about as close to flawless as an NFL quarterback can be. San Francisco is scoring touchdowns at a ridiculous clip. They're converting at 90 percent in the red zone and near 70 percent on third downs. Purdy's command of the offense, decisiveness and scrambling ability have all been essential to the 49ers getting ahead and pulling away from their first three opponents. Whether he keeps it up vs. a very good Denver defense will determine how much of a leap he's actually taken.
3) Who is an underrated 49ers player that Broncos fans should be aware of this week?
There are two defenders having strong seasons who aren't household names. Rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton is still finding his footing in the NFL to produce consistently, but he flashes a handful of times per game both as a run stopper and as a pass rusher. He's been a revelation on a beat up San Francisco defensive line. The other player to keep an eye on is second-year cornerback Upton Stout. He plays in the slot and brings a lot of physicality despite being listed at 5-9, 181 pounds. Stout had a really nice training camp and he's transferred that over to the regular season where the leap appears to be in progress for the young CB.
4) What is a strength of the 49ers going into Week 4? Any weakness?
This sounds silly, but their biggest strength is putting the ball in the end zone. They've had four touchdowns on explosive plays this season, and they've converted nine of their 10 red zone trips into TDs. They've also had seven different players score TDs this season. It's a dynamic offense that can both score quick or churn out long drives. Their biggest weakness is their run defense. I'm expecting the Broncos to exploit their inability to stop the run quite a bit. That forces them to sell out to stop the run which leaves them susceptible in the second and third levels. If the Broncos do this right they should solve some of their offensive woes.
5) Who wins, final score and why?
I think the Broncos get this one because I'm more confident in their defense getting a stop than I am the 49ers defense getting a stop. Purdy hasn't been sacked this season and has in general dealt with pressure well. I think he not only takes a sack or two, but I also think he throws up an interception that helps turn the tide in Denver's favor. It wouldn't shock me if the 49ers won, but last week vs. the Cardinals wasn't a great outing for their defense, and I think even with some of their struggles putting the ball in the end zone in the first half the Broncos will be able to take advantage of that unit. Broncos 30, 49ers 24.
The Broncos will face off against the 4ers face off on Sunday at 2:25 pm MT (view the TV map).
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos vs. 49ers: 5 things Denver fans should know about the Niners
