Denver Broncos News: Safety Concerns, Offensive Struggles, and a Tough Test Against the 49ers

• by Shimanta Das
• October 13, 2026

The Denver Broncos are riding high after a 23-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, but head coach Sean Payton made it clear on Monday that there’s no time to celebrate. Payton knows his offense needs to play better, and he knows his quarterback does, too. However, when asked about Bo Nix’s confidence level, Payton wasn’t interested in entertaining the conversation. Instead, he’s focused on fixing an offense that has yet to find a consistent rhythm. The Broncos managed just 17 points against the Chargers, and while the defense stepped up, Payton understands that to compete in a tough AFC West, the offense must improve.nnOne of the biggest storylines heading into Week 4 is the status of safety Talanoa Hufanga. Hufanga, who was acquired to bolster the secondary, is dealing with an injury that could keep him out of Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks. According to reports, if Hufanga can’t play, Devon Key would likely be the next man up to start across from Brandon Jones at safety. Key played 26 snaps against the Chargers, so he has some recent experience. However, stepping into a starting role against a Seahawks offense that features DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett is a tall task. The Broncos’ defense will need all hands on deck to contain Seattle’s playmakers.nnSpeaking of playmakers, the Broncos are preparing for a showdown with the undefeated San Francisco 49ers in Week 4. The 49ers are coming off a dominant win over the New York Giants and look like one of the NFL’s elite teams. “[The] Niners are a hell of a team right now,” defensive lineman Zach Allen said Tuesday. San Francisco boasts a high-powered offense led by Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle, so Denver’s defense will have to be at its best. The Broncos’ offense, meanwhile, must find a way to sustain drives and put points on the board to keep pace. As the game preview notes, offensive consistency and limiting San Francisco’s playmakers are among the keys