The Denver Broncos have found the most improbable comfort zone. This past Sunday night's 30-26 victory over the Los Angeles Rams was the fourth time in Sean Payton's tenure the Broncos have won a game in which they were behind 14 or more points in the second half. Quarterback Bo Nix added that the team's high-wire dance "feels like our DNA."

This past Sunday was the 10th time since Nix was drafted in 2024 that the Broncos have produced a fourth-quarter comeback victory. It marked the first time in franchise history the Broncos have had consecutive comeback wins in which they trailed by double-digits in the second half (Denver overcame a 10-point deficit to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2).

Payton tried to add perspective after the Rams win, saying the slow start would be "something we're frustrated about later if we don't get it cleaned up." The Broncos (2-1) face the undefeated San Francisco 49ers (3-0) on the road Sunday. The 49ers lead the league in offensive efficiency. The Broncos, who have scored only 10 first-half points this season, would rather not rely on a third straight escape act.

"I wouldn't say it's good to be familiar in those situations, but once you are, you understand what it takes to overcome," wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. Every one of the Broncos' two-touchdown-plus comebacks saw them facing a win probability of 6% or less in the second half.