Broncos Chase the Undefeated 49ers at Levi’s Stadium

The San Francisco 49ers have blasted out of the gate at 3-0, scoring at least 27 points in every game. Now, on Sunday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium, the Denver Broncos arrive with a chance to slow down one of the NFL’s hottest machines. Denver is 2-1 after two tight wins, and this matchup brings together two teams with big championship dreams.

San Francisco’s attack starts with Christian McCaffrey, a runner who can turn a small opening into a long dash and then line up as a pass catcher on the next play. He already has three rushing touchdowns, and his 270 combined rushing and receiving yards show why defenses have trouble finding him. Coach Kyle Shanahan uses motion, when players move before the snap, to make defenders react. Then McCaffrey, quarterback Brock Purdy and the rest of the offense look for the space that opens.

Purdy gives the 49ers a steady hand behind that creative plan. He can use tight end George Kittle over the middle or throw toward Mike Evans near the sideline and end zone. Kittle has three touchdown catches in three games, while the 6-foot-5 Evans gives Purdy a tall target. But both stars are questionable to play, with Kittle managing an Achilles injury and Evans dealing with ribs. San Francisco is also missing several wide receivers, so its depth will matter as much as its famous names.

Denver knows how to make an offense work for every yard. The Broncos led the NFL in sacks, meaning tackles of the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, for a second straight season last year. This season, however, Denver has allowed more than 380 yards per game. That number tells the Broncos they must close holes faster and make Purdy uncomfortable before San Francisco’s playmakers get rolling.

The Broncos can also attack a 49ers defense missing a giant piece. Star pass rusher Nick Bosa is out with a calf injury. Without Bosa racing after the quarterback, Bo Nix may have more room to run Denver’s quick-passing offense. Nix has thrown four touchdown passes, but he has also thrown three interceptions and lost a fumble. Protecting the ball will be vital against linebacker Fred Warner, who commands the middle of San Francisco’s defense.

Nix has two different kinds of targets waiting for him. Jaylen Waddle brings burst and speed, turning short throws into races, while Courtland Sutton uses his size to battle for difficult catches. Waddle is questionable after wearing a walking boot, and running back RJ Harvey is also questionable with a hamstring issue. If either cannot go, Denver will need other players to help carry the load.

Denver proved its toughness by edging the Rams 30-26 last week, but San Francisco has looked more complete through three games. The 49ers average nearly 33 points and allow fewer than 17, a powerful mix at home. Bosa’s absence gives Denver hope, yet McCaffrey and Purdy should keep the unbeaten story rolling. Prediction: the 49ers win.