Stidham Leads Broncos Past 49ers in Preseason Opener After Nix Struggles

Kelley L Cox/AP

In Santa Clara, California, the Denver Broncos opened their 2025 preseason with a convincing 30–9 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night. The win came after a slow start from starting quarterback Bo Nix, as backup Jarrett Stidham delivered two touchdown passes to spark the offense. The teams entered the contest with contrasting approaches following a joint practice earlier in the week. San Francisco opted to rest nearly all of its starters, while Denver gave most of its first-team players several series of live action. Head coach Sean Payton stressed the importance of using the game as a learning experience. “The importance of coming off of a three-, four-day trip like this and a lot of plays is the debrief, getting back home and cleaning things up,” Payton said. “There were a number of things that we’re going to have to improve on.” Nix’s first appearance of the preseason was far from his prolific rookie form, in which he threw 29 touchdown passes and led Denver to its first postseason berth since 2015. On three drives, the Broncos’ first-team offense managed just 56 total yards. Nix completed 6 of 11 passes for 31 yards, with one series ending in a punt, another in a safety after an intentional grounding penalty in the end zone, and the third in a field goal after a drive that began in 49ers territory.

Defensively, Denver also opened shakily, allowing a 50-yard completion from San Francisco quarterback Mac Jones to rookie Jordan Watkins. The play set up a five-yard touchdown run by Patrick Taylor. However, edge rusher Nik Bonitto responded with a dominant sequence on the following drive, recording two sacks and forcing a punt. Stidham entered in the second quarter and quickly capitalized on defensive lapses. He connected with tight end Lucas Krull for a five-yard score before hitting wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. for a 36-yard touchdown, stretching Denver’s lead to 20–9 at halftime. Jones, making his debut as Brock Purdy’s backup, finished 4 of 7 for 74 yards but threw an interception on his final series. The 49ers’ reserve quarterbacks, Carter Bradley and Tanner Mordecai, were unable to mount any offensive momentum in the second half. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed frustration afterward.

“I liked how we started out, but after that there wasn’t much to be excited about,” Shanahan said. “We didn’t get many first downs, four turnovers, the three picks, the fumble. ... We made too many mistakes.”

Injury concerns emerged for both teams. San Francisco running back Ameer Abdullah exited in the third quarter with a rib injury after losing a fumble. Rookie safety Marques Sigle left with a bruised knee, while cornerback Upton Stout missed the game due to calf tightness. Defensive end Mykel Williams and safety Richie Grant are each expected to miss about a week with knee injuries. Denver’s injury list grew when Payton confirmed defensive end Matt Henningsen tore his Achilles during Thursday’s practice, ending his season. Next week, the Broncos will hold a joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals before hosting them in their second preseason matchup. The 49ers will travel to Las Vegas for a joint practice before facing the Raiders.