Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning will be looking to make history against the San Francisco 49ers. He currently has 506 career touchdowns, just two short of the all-time record of 508 which is held by former Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.
Holding Manning to under three touchdowns will be a tall order for the 49ers. This season, he has averaged three a game and has only once recorded less than three, a week 5 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The 49ers defense will have to try to slow Manning down without two, possibly three, of its best defensive players. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman is still recovering from a devastating injury from last season's NFC Championship game where he tore his ACL and MCL. Linebacker sand pass rushing specialist Aldon Smith is still serving his nine game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct a substance abuse policies.
On Monday night, linebacker Patrick Willis injured his left big toe late in the second quarter and his status against the Broncos is not yet known. Chris Borland filled in for Willis against the Rams.
The defense may also be without cornerback Tramaine Brock, who is still nursing a sprained big toe on his right foot. However, Perrish Cox has been performing very well in his place.
49ers nose tackle Glenn Dorsey is currently on the team's Injured Reserve/Designated to Return List and cannot be activated for another couple of weeks, if he is ready.
Other players who did not finish the game against the Rams include cornerback Jimmie Ward, who injured his quadriceps, and guard Mike Iupati, who suffered a concussion.
This season, Manning has completed 66.5% of his passes and thrown for 1,530 yards and 15 touchdowns.
On Monday night, the 49ers started slow falling behind 14-0 against the St. Louis Rams before waking up and outscoring them 31-3. Two weeks ago, they fell behind the Philadelphia Eagles 21-10 before rallying and eventually winning 26-21.
The 49ers pass defense, which ranks second in the league will take on the Broncos pass offense which ranks fourth in the league.
