NFL Week 7 – 49ers’ D Meets Broncos’ Potent O in Denver

San Francisco 49ers at the Denver Broncos (-6.5, 49.5)

As if there wasn’t enough hoopla surrounding tonight’s game between the San Francisco 49ers (4-2, 2-1 away) and the Denver Broncos (4-1, 3-0 home) – two of the top teams in the NFL – future Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning is only two touchdown passes away from tying Brett Favre’s NFL record.

Predictably, Manning wants the spotlight to shine on the game. “Two big games coming up. That’s plenty to think about,” said Manning, alluding to a week 8 divisional game against the Chargers.

Added Denver head coach John Fox, “We’ve had a pretty salty schedule thus far. And this week is no different.”

The 49ers come to Sports Authority Field at Mile High with the second-ranked total defense, giving up just 287.2 yards per game and surrendering a league low 5.9 yards per passing attempt.

San Francisco Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s concerns have to be with his offense. Last week, the offense finally erupted for more than 400 yards and 30 points against the Rams. But, prior to that game, had looked stagnant.

Harbaugh thought QB Colin Kaepernick finally looked comfortable in the offense last week.

Said Harbaugh, “He had some pinpoint throws. Had some throws where he laid it in there perfectly. I thought he was really on his game.”

Kaepernick is aware that he will have to get the ball out of his hands quickly, “They have two great ends [Von Miller and Demarcus Ware] that can rush the passer well. We’re going to have to be ready for that.”

Invariably, when two top-tier teams face each other, finding the right play is difficult. The 49ers’ moneyline, which currently sits at +245, is a risk but could end up being the right play.