49ers vs. Broncos: Behind enemy lines with FanSided’s Predominantly Orange

Niner Noise’s Chris Wilson goes behind enemy lines with Tylor Walden of FanSided’s Predominantly Orange to preview the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 14 matchup with the Denver Broncos.

In advance of the San Francisco 49ers’ showdown against the surging Denver Broncos, Niner Noise’s Chris Wilson and Predominantly Orange‘s Co-Editor and Site Expert Ty Walden discussed the two teams, and what to expect during the Week 14 matchup.

Despite playing in an AFC West division that includes both the 10-win Kansas City Chiefs and the 9-win Los Angeles Chargers, the Broncos find themselves in position to make a late playoff run if they can continue their recent streak of victories.

After defeating the Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, next up for Denver is the NFL’s worst team — at least from a win-loss perspective — the San Francisco 49ers. However, the Broncos will have to do more than merely show up on Sunday in order to win in Week 14. The Niners are a better team than their record indicates, which is reflected in the game’s point spread, which favors Denver by just 3.5 points, per OddsShark.

Here’s Niner Noise’s Q&A exclusive with Ty Walden of Predominantly Orange:

CW: After three straight victories, the Broncos are just one game away from a wild-card spot. Does Denver have what it takes to make the playoffs?

"TW: I honestly believe that they do. It has not been easy, especially with the string of injuries that have surfaced the last month. But Denver’s schedule is more favorable than all of the teams ahead of them in the wild card hunt — only one team has a winning record and they might lock up a spot before we play them (the Broncos play the Chargers in Week 17). But they cannot play down to their opponent’s level. They need to get these next three wins to have a legitimate shot at getting into the playoffs."

CW: Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay didn’t receive an invite to the combine and went undrafted, yet has become one of the NFL’s top RBs in 2018. Is Lindsay the Broncos’ long-term answer at the position?

"TW: It’s funny, I was just talking to someone about this the other day. I believe he is the long-term answer. He has speed, quickness and the ability to make a big play at a moment’s notice. Perhaps what Denver should do is have Lindsay as the featured back and RB Royce Freeman as the chance-of-pace/short-yardage back. It is crazy, but it just might work."

CW: What do the San Francisco 49ers need to do to in order to win on Sunday?

"TW: Win the turnover battle. Denver has done a solid job at creating turnovers, while not making any mistakes of their own for the last few weeks. Comparing the skill sets of both teams, that is the only real way I see the 49ers getting a win — that or 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens has a huge game like he did against the Oakland Raiders."

CW: How have the Broncos been able to improve so drastically on offense this season?

"TW: Having Lindsay and QB Case Keenum step their games up has really helped the offense. They are running the ball more, which takes pressure off Keenum. And in turn, Keenum has not made the mistakes he did earlier in the season. I think Broncos head coach Vance Joseph taking more control has helped as well. He has been doing a bit more play calling and taking more chances."

CW: What’s your game score prediction for Sunday’s game — and why?

"TW: I do not like predicting blowouts, so there will not be one here. I think the 49ers might catch Denver off guard, but the Broncos will collect themselves like they did last week against the Bengals. The only player I would be concerned with on the 49ers’ roster is tight end George Kittle. Do well against him, and the Broncos should win with no issues. I am going to say 27-16 Broncos."

An 11-point victory over the 49ers is a reasonable prediction, given that San Francisco lost both of their last two games by at least three scores. However, those of us rooting for the 49ers — and not draft position — hope for a different outcome on Sunday.

Thanks to Ty for joining us to provide insight into the San Francisco 49ers’ Week 14 opponent, the Denver Broncos. Check out more of Tylor Walden’s work on FanSided‘s Predominantly Orange, and give him a follow on Twitter @tyflyguy15.