Broncos Will Face 49ers This Sunday
Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos travel to Levi's Stadium to challenge the undefeated San Francisco 49ers.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Football
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The Denver Broncos head to California on Sunday to play the San Francisco 49ers. Denver arrives with a 2-1 record, while the 49ers remain undefeated at 3-0.
Why it matters
Denver faces a difficult defensive test as they attempt to contain running back Christian McCaffrey. The outcome will prove critical for the Broncos as they look to maintain momentum early in the season.
The Denver Broncos currently hold a 2-1 record, while the San Francisco 49ers sit at 3-0. Bo Nix, drafted 12th overall, enters this contest facing a team led by Christian McCaffrey.
The players
Bo Nix
He is the rookie quarterback for the Denver Broncos who was selected with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Christian McCaffrey
He is a star running back for the San Francisco 49ers who represents a significant defensive challenge for opposing teams.
Ed McCaffrey
He is a former NFL wide receiver who won Super Bowl rings with both the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers.
Luke McCaffrey
He is a wide receiver for the Washington Commanders who participated in the 2024 Senior Bowl alongside Bo Nix.
The details
The game, which kicks off at 2:25 p.m. MDT, will be broadcast on CBS. The connection between the two organizations is deep, as Ed McCaffrey won Super Bowl titles with both franchises during his career.
Timeline
1997: Ed McCaffrey won a Super Bowl title with the Denver Broncos.
1998: Ed McCaffrey won a second Super Bowl title with the Denver Broncos.
2024: Bo Nix and Luke McCaffrey were teammates at the Senior Bowl.
Sunday: The Denver Broncos play the San Francisco 49ers at 2:25 p.m. MDT.
The Big Picture
This matchup serves as a reminder of the historical ties between Denver and San Francisco established by the 1998 Super Bowl victory for the Denver Broncos. The game highlights the enduring connections between these two franchises that span generations of players.
The Broncos must successfully implement a scheme to stop Christian McCaffrey to avoid falling to a 2-2 record. Failure to contain the run will likely force the Denver offense into high-pressure passing situations against a disciplined 49ers defense.
The takeaway
The game represents a crucial early-season test for rookie quarterback Bo Nix against a veteran playoff contender. Fans should watch how Denver adjusts its defensive front to handle the versatility of the San Francisco backfield.
Further reading
Find more coverage of the team on the Denver Football page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Denver Sports.
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