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Denver Broncos 5 bold predictions for Week 3 matchup vs. 49ers

By Sayre Bedinger

Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson - Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson - Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Leading up to Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season, expectations for the Denver Broncos could not have been higher. Russell Wilson was bringing the star QB power back to the franchise for the first time since Peyton Manning retired, and Super Bowl aspirations were revived in Broncos Country. Unfortunately, in the first two games of the 2022 season, the Broncos have failed to meet expectations.

Now, heading into Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers, expectations for the Broncos are still extremely high but so many in and outside of Denver think very little of this team right now. There is a ton of national disrespect being directed towards the Broncos, head coach Nathaniel Hackett, and Russell Wilson right now.

Frankly, it feels like the perfect time for a statement kind of win on Sunday Night Football against Kyle Shanahan, Jimmy Garoppolo, and the San Francisco 49ers. There’s plenty of negativity out there in regards to the Denver Broncos, but wearing the blue uniforms under the spotlight, playing at home…let’s take a look at some big-time predictions for this game.

5 bold predictions for the Denver Broncos against the San Francisco 49ers

Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos, Brandon McManus (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

1. Brandon McManus will only be needed for extra points and kickoffs

Let’s get a quick one out of the way here. The Denver Broncos have officially been “friend-zoned” in the red zone so far this season. They have yet to score on six red zone trips, although they have been close:

  • Fumble by Melvin Gordon (vs. SEA)
  • Fumble by Javonte Williams (vs. SEA)
  • Near-TD for Eric Saubert (vs. SEA)
  • Near-TD for Eric Tomlinson (vs. SEA)
  • Shovel pass TD to Andrew Beck called back on penalty (vs. SEA)
  • Near-TD for Courtland Sutton (vs. HOU)

The Broncos have been close, but they haven’t been able to punch it in. As a result, Brandon McManus has been busy and arguably the team’s offensive MVP thus far. He’s made 6-of-7 field goal attempts, and he was inches away from making his 7th, which would have been a game-winning 64-yard kick against the Seattle Seahawks. So far this season, through two games, McManus has only attempted (and made) two extra point attempts.

This is a sad reality we live in. My top bold prediction for the Broncos against the 49ers is that we see McManus out there for only extra points.

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