The 49ers’ status as contenders will receive its first legitimate examination when they face the Broncos on Sunday Night Football.
Jimmy Garoppolo will lead the Niners in their first game since Trey Lance suffered a season-ending injury, hitting the pause button on his development as San Francisco’s franchise quarterback.
Many believe the 49ers are better equipped to challenge for the Super Bowl with Garoppolo under center, having come agonizingly close to winning the Lombardi Trophy in the 2019 season and reaching the NFC Championship Game last campaign with the former Patriot at quarterback.
But in Week 3 they go against a signal-caller in Russell Wilson who is 16-4 against the 49ers in his career. Wilson tormented San Francisco during his time with the Seahawks, and here we look at the matchups that will be key to ensuring the 49ers end his hoodoo over them in this primetime clash.