49ers vs. Broncos preview: Niners host surging Denver team in Week 14
By Chris Wilson
The San Francisco 49ers host the Denver Broncos in Week 14 of the 2018 NFL regular season. Niner Noise previews the matchup, including key stats, players to watch, X-factors, injury news and how to watch the game live.
Two NFL teams traveling in opposite directions will clash on Sunday as the San Francisco 49ers face the Denver Broncos in Week 14. Winners of three consecutive games, the Broncos have their sights set on a late playoff run, while the Niners, who have lost three straight contests, are on pace to select first in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Coming off a five-win 2017 season, Denver has made major strides in 2018, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. After defeating the Los Angeles Chargers, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals over the past three weeks, the Broncos find themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt, and just a game back from the AFC’s final wild-card spot.
The Broncos have a pair of newcomers to thank for much of the team’s offensive turnaround in 2018. Undrafted rookie running back Phillip Lindsay continues to spearhead Denver’s dangerous rushing attack, while free-agent acquisition Case Keenum has provided the stability the Broncos’ passing game has lacked at the quarterback position since the departure of future Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning.
San Francisco has been hampered by injuries during the second painful season of 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s multi-year team rebuild.
After suffering a comeback loss to quarterback Eli Manning and the New York Giants in Week 10, the Niners lost big to both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks in their next two games. For more on last week’s loss to the Seahawks, check out Niner Noise’s game recap and post-game grades, including highlights and analysis, as well as full grades for each of the 49ers’ position groups.
Despite the two teams’ opposing trajectories, “sharp” betters believe Sunday’s contest will be a close affair. After opening the week as six-point road favorites, the Broncos are currently favored over the 49ers by just three points, per OddsShark.
Let’s break down the important statistics you need to know about the 2-10 San Francisco 49ers’ Week 14 opponent, the 6-6 Denver Broncos: