Predicting The Score Of 49ers vs. Broncos Week 7 Matchup

By Timothy Downs @Tidow1212 on October 17, 2014

In a true clash between strong defense and dynamic offense, the San Francisco 49ers (4-2) travel east to take on the Denver Broncos (4-1) in what has been whispered as a possible Super Bowl matchup over the last couple years.

Despite the schism between head coach Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers’ front office, San Francisco is playing well; but they haven’t opposed an offense quite like Peyton Manning and the Broncos’ oftentimes rhapsodical passing attack.

If San Francisco is to have any hope in this game, they have to find a way to neutralize TE Julius Thomas, who has been running roughshod over opposing defenses this year as he leads the NFL with nine TDs. RB Ronnie Hillman is starting again in Week 7 and he doesn’t pose a huge threat to the 49ers’ stout front-seven.

If the 49ers do neutralize the middle of the field, including the tight ends and running backs, the Broncos’ WRs might beat them regularly out wide, but in all honesty, that was going to happen anyway. Stopping Thomas and the running game is the only way they can prevail.

Denver made some significant free-agent signings over the winter on the defensive side of the ball — including DE DeMarcus Ware and CB Aqib Talib – but its defense has still been maddeningly inconsistent at times.

Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers’ offense have not been world beaters either and are no more than a middle-of-the-pack group. This matchup should give the Broncos somewhat of an advantage.

With TE Vernon Davis now in the mix again, San Francisco must pound the middle of the field and attempt to expose Denver’s linebackers.

This would be best done with the help of RB Frank Gore, who, if he can establish the run, will set a tone for this contest that the 49ers will not be one-dimensional.

With Gore and Davis being such a solid combo in the middle of the field, it should loosen up coverage somewhat for WRs Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson.

This is San Francisco’s best chance as the game projects to be a high-scoring shootout and they will have no choice but to pass more often than not.

In the end, Denver will prevail as it’s unlikely Kaepernick can keep up with Manning — if Manning is being Manning.

Prediction: Broncos 31 San Francisco 21

Timothy Downs is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. You can add him on Google ‘like him’ on Facebook or follow on Twitter @Tidow1212.