San Francisco at Denver
2:15 p.m., Invesco Field at Mile High
KDVR-31, KOA 850 AM and KBNO 1280 AM (Spanish)
Latest line: Broncos by 10 1/2
OVERVIEW
How does it end?
The day will end one of two ways, two dramatic ways.
One is for the five-game Jay Cutler era to move on to the postseason. That would be a remarkable turnaround for a Broncos team that was 7-6 three weeks ago.
The other ending would be disastrous. It would conclude with a loss to San Francisco at Invesco Field. Toss in a few other disasters and the Broncos would be out of the playoffs.
They need to simply dispatch the 6-9 49ers and move on. The Broncos aren’t focused on the negative. They are looking to win their third straight game and try their new-look offense in the playoffs.
A look at the keys of the game:
GET A HANDLE ON THINGS
Keep it clean
The biggest reason the favored teams lose the 49ers are 10K-point underdogs – is by making stupid mistakes. The Broncos would have to give this game away. The 49ers aren’t a horrible team, and they can make things happen if a few bounces go their way. Jay Cutler and the offense can’t give the 49ers any breaks. Denver has to hold on to the football. Running back Tatum Bell has lost a fumble in each of the past two games, eventually resulting in touchdowns.
HOLD DOWN GORE
Stuff big back
The 49ers’ best weapon is Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore. He leads the NFC with 1,542 yards rushing. The Broncos’ defense has had trouble against good running backs this season. If Gore can get going, it could establish an attack for the 49ers and give inconsistent quarterback Alex Smith a chance to get going. If Gore is stuffed, though, the 49ers will get desperate.
CONTINUE YOUTH MOVEMENT
Offense clicking
Along with Jay Cutler, rookies Mike Bell at running back, Brandon Marshall at wide receiver and Tony Scheffler at tight end have made major contributions to the offense. No longer is the offense holding back the Broncos. With veterans Javon Walker and Rod Smith remaining weapons, the youngsters are adding life and keeping foes off-balance. The rookies need to sustain their contributions as long as the Broncos’ season continues.
