Intriguing Game- NFL, Week 4
Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
Broncos (2-1):
Games such as what we saw on Sunday are simply the reason why it’s never over until three zeros are on the clock and the final whistle has blown. I have to say, I like how they’ve bounced back after the beatdown they took at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. They were able to get revenge on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 after Jacksonville snapped their winning streak in 2025, and when it looked like the game was over, they fought back and escaped with a four-point victory against the Los Angeles Rams. I’ve seen my share of Sean Payton over the years, and I still think he’s one of the five best coaches in our league right now, but I want to say this: I feel this Broncos team he has is the most complete team from top to bottom that he’s ever had, and this is a man who’s won a Super Bowl with a Hall of Fame quarterback under center. This Denver team can run the ball, Bo Nix has shown flashes of consistency, and these perimeter weapons he has to work with, including Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr., give him plenty to work with. But I feel Sean can work with whatever he has around him, and a perfect example of that is many of those teams he had in New Orleans. Defensively, this is still one of the best groups in the league, and they also have the best cornerback in the league in Patrick Surtain II. This defense has bounced back since Week 1, and they will only go up from here. This Sunday, the Broncos will take on another NFC West opponent.
49ers (3-0):
I’ve been impressed with them so far. When I saw how dominant they were in Melbourne against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, I said to myself, if they can play this way throughout the year, they will be the favorites to possibly represent the NFC in the Super Bowl come February. Through their first three games, I like what I’ve seen from their offense. It’s been efficient, balanced, and they’re also picking their spots to attack defenses. Christian McCaffrey is still Christian McCaffrey, and when this offense runs through him and they continue to give him the ball, he’s going to show he’s still one of the best players on the field, as he can attack a defense as both a runner and a receiver. George Kittle still creates problems for opposing defenses, forcing units to tilt his way, and the biggest difference-maker has been Brock Purdy. By far, this is the best I have ever seen him look as an NFL quarterback. For years, the problem with the 49ers’ offense was that you never knew which version of Brock you were going to get. He also had a tendency to key in on one target throughout the game, and eventually, he would turn the ball over. This year, however, I see a quarterback who’s spreading the ball around and, most importantly, is being protected. Defensively, the 49ers are doing just enough to complement the offense, and overall, the Niners are still handling their business even with key guys on the injury list such as Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and Mike Evans. On Sunday, they will look to start 4-0 with the Broncos coming to town.
Broncos X-Factor: Evan Engram
He has become Bo Nix’s safety valve—every quarterback has one! I understand Waddle and Sutton might be the bigger names on this offense, but Evan cannot go unnoticed. He’s a big target who can work the middle of the field, and I don’t think the Niners have a defensive player who can hang with him. Also, don’t be surprised if Sean decides to line him up wide on the perimeter. On Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers showed some vulnerability against Trey McBride, who’s also a tight end, and I can see Denver doing the same. Evan is also very slippery in space after the catch and can turn a small gain into a significant play.
49ers X-Factor: Deebo Samuel
I’m so glad to see him back in a 49ers uniform, and this fan base absolutely loves him. He hasn’t missed a beat with this team and still finds ways to contribute to this offense in multiple ways. Deebo can touch the ball in any way, shape, or form and can turn an ordinary touch or play into a huge play. I see Kyle Shanahan showing his creativity this year, and I expect that to continue in this game on Sunday. Deebo can be used as a receiver, runner, slot guy, and motion player against a particularly aggressive Denver defense. Watch him get his touches early to make his presence felt.
Final Thoughts:
We have two teams trending in different directions at the moment. The 49ers have been perfect out of the gates and are sitting atop the NFC West at the moment, while the Broncos have won their last two games after the beatdown they took in Kansas City. I’m so intrigued by this quarterback matchup between Nix and Purdy. This game also features two of the best coaches in Sean Payton and Kyle Shanahan. The most important thing for Denver is to start quickly, as they’ve yet to do so in their first three games. They’ve won their last two games after falling behind early, which won’t always be the case, as I always mention. Continuing what I just mentioned, the Broncos must sustain drives before they get forced into catch-up mode, feed Sutton the ball early—especially on third down and in the red zone—and make Brock Purdy uncomfortable. I’m not saying sack him any chance you get, but throwing off his timing will be important. The 49ers can’t allow the Denver defense to dictate the football game, so moving the ball with long and efficient drives will be key to keeping their defense on the field. Feed Deebo the ball and allow him to be the playmaker he is, and force Nix to beat you from the pocket. The 49ers can’t allow easy explosive plays or scrambling opportunities to keep plays alive. I’d make him throw down over the numbers. In other words, for Denver, start quickly and prevent McCaffrey and Purdy from taking over. For San Francisco, keep Purdy clean and make Denver’s offense drive the field.
