Aug 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) meets with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) after the Broncos defeated the 49ers 34-0 at Levi
Broncos vs. 49ers – Week 7
It’s gameday, Broncos country — the Broncos vs. 49ers in a matchup of two teams with four wins on the season in two of the toughest, most competitive divisions in the NFL.
The Broncos have won two straight games coming off their bye week, while the 49ers have won three straight after a 1-2 start in which they struggled a bit. Both teams are playing good football right now, making this matchup one of the best of the week in the NFL.
This game will be under the lights, the Broncos wearing their all-blue uniforms and the 49ers in white. Peyton Manning is the focal point as he is seeking three touchdown passes in order to eclipse Brett Favre’s career total of 508. If Manning gets three touchdown passes on Sunday night, he will stand alone as the player with the most touchdown passes in NFL history.
It’s going to be a special moment, indeed.
However, the 49ers are setting out to ensure that Manning doesn’t get to 509 this week. They are going to do everything in their power to limit him, to take players away from the Broncos, and the Broncos are going to do everything in their power to make sure he gets that record.
Each of these teams rank among the NFL’s best in total defense, and each of these teams boasts unique strengths offensively. This should be a really fun game to watch. Speaking of which, here’s everything you’ll need to know about watching tonight’s game.
Who: Broncos (4-1) vs. 49ers (4-2)
What: Week 7 Matchup
When: Sunday, October 19th — 6:25 PM MST
Where: Denver, Colorado (Sports Authority Field at Mile High)
Why: Because, football
TV Info: NBC (national)
Online Streaming: NBC Sports Extra Live (free online stream)
Broadcast Crew: Cris Collinsworth, Al Michaels
Prediction
This is a game I think the Broncos will win, and I’m not overly worried about it. What worries me a bit is the fact that they’ve struggled getting off the field on third downs against quarterbacks who can run, and Kaepernick is the best runner they will have faced so far, in my opinion.
The 49ers are missing key pieces to their defense. Namely, Patrick Willis is out for this game, and they already don’t have Navorro Bowman or Aldon Smith. Their secondary has been sneaky good this season, led by former Bronco Perrish Cox, safety Eric Reid, and former Indianapolis Colt and Peyton Manning teammate Antoine Bethea.
The key for this game is going to be getting off the field on third down defensively for the Broncos, and creating turnovers. If they can get the 49ers to play from behind, I think the Broncos are in a huge area of advantage with their pass rush and run defense. The 49ers want to establish the run with Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde and dictate time of possession, but the Broncos aren’t going to let that happen.
I think this game will be close for three quarters, but the Broncos will pull away in the end. Peyton Manning will get his record 509th touchdown pass — perhaps more — and this Broncos team will make a statement on national television.