Double K’s NFL Game Review:(San Fransico 49ers (4-0) 24 vs Denver Broncos (2-2) 14)
🏈 NFL Game Review: Denver Broncos vs. San Francisco 49ers
Week 4 — October 4, 2026 | Levi’s Stadium
Final Score
San Francisco 49ers 24, Denver Broncos 14
The 49ers remained undefeated at 4-0, overcoming a sluggish first half to pull away from Denver in the second half. The game was tied 3-3 at halftime, but San Francisco scored touchdowns on three of its key second-half possessions to take control. (Reuters)
⭐ Game MVP: Brock Purdy
Purdy was efficient when San Francisco needed him most:
- 19/30 passing
- 218 yards
- 2 TDs
- 0 INT
- 107.4 passer rating
- 29 rushing yards
His biggest play came late, when he found George Kittle for the 56-yard touchdown that essentially ended Denver’s comeback hopes. (Pro Football Reference)
🔥 Offensive Standouts
George Kittle: 4 receptions, 70 yards, 56-yard TD
Kittle’s explosive touchdown was the biggest offensive play of the game and demonstrated why getting him back into the offense is such a major weapon for San Francisco.
Mike Evans: 5 receptions, 76 yards
Evans played through a rib injury and still led the 49ers in receiving. His 17-yard catch in the fourth quarter helped set up McCaffrey’s touchdown. (San Francisco 49ers)
Christian McCaffrey: 15 carries, 52 yards, 1 TD
The numbers weren’t spectacular, but McCaffrey’s short touchdown gave San Francisco a critical 17-6 lead with 8:52 remaining.
Deebo Samuel: 5 catches, 26 yards, 1 receiving TD, plus 44 rushing yards. (Pro Football Reference)
🛡️ Defense Wins the Game
The 49ers defense deserves a lot of credit.
Denver managed only 82 rushing yards, while Bo Nix finished 25-of-42 for 214 yards and one touchdown. San Francisco also prevented Denver from scoring an offensive touchdown until the final four minutes. (Reuters)
Dre Greenlaw was outstanding against his former team, recording 12 tackles.
The defense didn’t record a sack, but it did a good job limiting explosive plays and forcing Denver to work for virtually every yard.
⚡ Turning Point: Marvin Mims’ Fumble
The biggest momentum swing came in the third quarter.
Denver’s Marvin Mims Jr. fumbled a punt return, and Siran Neal recovered, giving San Francisco possession in Denver territory. The 49ers turned that opportunity into Deebo Samuel’s 1-yard touchdown.
That changed the game from a 3-3 defensive struggle into a game San Francisco could control. (Reuters)
📊 By the Numbers
| Category | Broncos | 49ers |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 296 | 358 |
| Rushing Yards | 82 | 140 |
| Passing Yards | 214 | 218 |
| First Downs | 16 | 20 |
| 3rd Down | 8/17 | 6/13 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Time of Possession | 30:53 | 29:07 |
🚑 Injury Concern
The biggest concern coming out of the victory is Kyle Juszczyk, who suffered a knee hyperextension and is expected to miss a few weeks. Marques Sigle suffered a high ankle sprain, while Upton Stout sustained a shoulder AC sprain. Mike Evans, meanwhile, came through his rib injury without a setback. (San Francisco 49ers)
🎯 Overall Grade: A-
This wasn’t a pretty 49ers victory, but it was an important one.
The Good:
✅ 4-0 record
✅ Defense held Denver to 14 points
✅ 140 rushing yards
✅ Purdy played mistake-free football
✅ Kittle provided a huge explosive play
✅ Defense and special teams created the game’s key turnover
The Concern:
⚠️ Only 3 points in the first half
⚠️ Running game was effective but not dominant
⚠️ Several injuries
⚠️ Denver was able to make it 17-14 late
🔴 Bottom Line
The 49ers showed they can win ugly. After struggling offensively for much of the first half, San Francisco’s defense kept the game close until Purdy, McCaffrey, Deebo and Kittle finally broke things open.
At 4-0, San Francisco has now demonstrated that it doesn’t need to play a perfect offensive game to win. The next test is particularly important: the 49ers head to Seattle for a Week 5 NFC West matchup with the 3-1 Seahawks. (San Francisco 49ers)
The Classroom talking point: Is this 49ers team legitimately one of the NFL’s best, or have they simply been good enough to survive their first four games?