The San Francisco 49ers enter Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season undefeated at 3-0 following a 36-30 win over the Arizona Cardinals, setting up a Sunday matchup against the 2-1 Denver Broncos at Levi’s® Stadium. The upcoming game features significant milestones for head coach Kyle Shanahan, former running back Roger Craig, and the league’s Crucial Catch community initiative.
Broncos Head to the Bay Following Primetime Win
The Denver Broncos arrive in Northern California with a 2-1 record after defeating the Los Angeles Rams 30-26 in a home primetime matchup. According to Broncos Wire, quarterback Bo Nix orchestrated a second-half comeback after a 16-0 halftime deficit, though head coach Sean Payton’s squad continues seeking a complete four-quarter performance. Nix has thrown for 605 yards through three games, while running back J.K. Dobbins leads the team with 121 rushing yards despite battling a hip injury that has limited him to a 3.5 yards-per-carry average. Denver’s defense has recorded eight sacks, paced by defensive lineman Zach Allen with 3.0, alongside former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga, who recorded two interceptions against the Rams.
San Francisco Seeks to Extend Undefeated Start
The 49ers protect a pristine 3-0 record built behind quarterback Brock Purdy, who earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors for September. 49ers.com reported that Purdy has thrown for 789 yards and nine touchdowns without taking a single sack through three games, operating behind an offensive line that has not allowed a single sack through the first three games. Tight end George Kittle paces the receiving game with 174 yards and three touchdowns, while Christian McCaffrey leads the team with 166 rushing yards and 13 receptions. Defensively, linebacker Fred Warner anchors the front with 33 tackles, and defensive lineman Keion White leads the pass rush with 2.0 sacks.
Sunday’s matchup marks the 17th all-time meeting between the two franchises, with the series deadlocked at 8-8. The contest also marks Christian McCaffrey’s first career game against the hometown Denver Broncos, the franchise where his father, Ed McCaffrey, won two Super Bowls, as noted by Broncos Wire.
Kyle Shanahan Reaches Franchise Milestone
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan will work his 167th regular-season game with the franchise on Sunday, passing Bill Walsh for the most games coached in 49ers history. Shanahan holds an 85-67 regular-season record since taking over the position in 2017, capturing three NFC West titles, making four NFC Championship Game appearances, and advancing to two Super Bowls. Walsh coached 166 regular-season games for San Francisco from 1979 to 1988, compiling a 92-59-1 record and three Super Bowl championships.
Roger Craig Honored With Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence
49ers legend Roger Craig will receive a Pro Football Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence ceremony at halftime following his enshrinement as a member of the Class of 2026 this past summer. Craig played eight seasons for San Francisco, capturing three Super Bowl titles and making history in 1985 as the first player in NFL history to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.
Crucial Catch Campaign Transforms Levi’s Stadium
Sunday’s game serves as the franchise’s showcase for the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative, presented by Sutter Health, which promotes cancer prevention, early detection, and increased access to screenings. Jordan will return at halftime to perform “This Is How We Do It” utilizing custom lyrics celebrating Roger Craig.
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