The Broncos manhandled the Bears last week in the first preseason game, and will look to do the same this Saturday against the 49ers at home. These are some keys to victory for the Broncos in their first home game of the 2016 season.

1. Stay healthy:

The Broncos have already lost Vance Walker for the season with a torn ACL. Derek Wolfe hobbled off the field this week with an apparent ankle injury. More than anything, the goal for this week is stay to healthy. Especially after a few days of physical joint practices with San Francisco. Nobody wants to see a player going down during meaningless snaps.

2. Secure a starting QB:

Assuming that Paxton Lynch will not be starting week one, this week will be huge for Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian.

Coming into training camp, I do not think many people really thought Siemian would be in the mix for the starting job, but the former seventh round pick out of Northwestern has worked his way into the conversation. Both QB’s had highs and lows against the Bears, but performed well overall.

With just a few weeks until the regular season, the Broncos need to name a starting QB soon and starting building familiarity and chemistry within the starting offense. Whoever looks better Saturday will not necessarily be the starter this season, but this game is definitely important for the QB’s to shine against a weak 49ers defense.

3. Find depth on the defensive line:

The loss of Walker was monumental and the minor injury to Wolfe was a scary

moment for a team with minimal depth on the defensive line. Adam Gotsis and Jared Crick are two guys expected to help pick up the slack, but a variety of players will get opportunities over the next few weeks.

Eddie Yarbrough (DE) is a UDFA that has turned some heads this summer and could be a Shaq Barrett-esque player. Another UDFA that has impressed this summer is DT Kyle Peko, who could be a boost in the middle with no Walker in the picture.

Saturday provides an opportunity for a lot of young players to make a name for themselves. Denver needs young players to contribute after losing a lot of bodies through free agency and injury.