Quick answer
- Winner
- San Francisco 49ers
- Final score
- San Francisco 49ers 26–23 Denver Broncos
- Halftime
- San Francisco 49ers 3–13 Denver Broncos at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- T. Scheffler
- Top passer
- Arian Smith
- Biggest EPA play
- (2:24) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 24-C.Bailey at DE…
- Game date
- 2006-12-31
Game summary
The San Francisco 49ers beat the Denver Broncos 26–23 on 2006-12-31, overcoming Denver Broncos's 13–3 halftime lead. T. Scheffler posted a game-high +5.39 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 17 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 San Francisco 49ers | 0 | 3 | 14 | 6 | 3 | 26 |
 Denver Broncos | 3 | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 23 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
SFSan Francisco 49ers(:47) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(11:23) 1-J.Elam 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(2:24) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 24-C.Bailey at DEN 30. 24-C.Bailey for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(:09) 6-J.Nedney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
(8:01) 11-A.Smith pass short right to 40-M.Norris for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
(6:35) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass short left intended for 82-S.Alexander INTERCEPTED by 27-W.Harris at DEN 28. 27-W.Harris for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
(1:48) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(12:00) 6-J.Nedney 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
(6:18) 6-J.Nedney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
(1:35) 6-J.Cutler pass short middle to 88-T.Scheffler for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(2:00) 6-J.Nedney 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
DENDenver BroncosFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q1 0:47FG JEJ. ElamPoints+3
- Yard line
- SF 4
- Score
- 0-3
(:47) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 11:23FG JEJ. ElamPoints+3
- Yard line
- SF 3
- Score
- 0-6
(11:23) 1-J.Elam 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 2:24TD CBC. BaileyPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 35
- Score
- 0-12
(2:24) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 24-C.Bailey at DEN 30. 24-C.Bailey for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 2:09XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- SF 2
- Score
- 0-13
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q2 0:09FG JNJ. NedneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 28
- Score
- 3-13
(:09) 6-J.Nedney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q3 8:01TD Morice Norris Jr.Points+6
- Yard line
- DEN 32
- Score
- 9-13
(8:01) 11-A.Smith pass short right to 40-M.Norris for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q3 7:52XP JNJ. NedneyPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 10-13
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q3 6:35TD Will HarrisPoints+6
- Yard line
- SF 78
- Score
- 16-13
(6:35) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass short left intended for 82-S.Alexander INTERCEPTED by 27-W.Harris at DEN 28. 27-W.Harris for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q3 6:25XP JNJ. NedneyPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 17-13
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q3 1:48FG JEJ. ElamPoints+3
- Yard line
- SF 4
- Score
- 17-16
(1:48) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q4 12:00FG JNJ. NedneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 11
- Score
- 20-16
(12:00) 6-J.Nedney 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
Q4 6:18FG JNJ. NedneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 28
- Score
- 23-16
(6:18) 6-J.Nedney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 1:35TD TST. SchefflerPoints+6
- Yard line
- SF 9
- Score
- 23-22
(1:35) 6-J.Cutler pass short middle to 88-T.Scheffler for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 1:30XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- SF 2
- Score
- 23-23
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- SFSan Francisco 49ers
OT 2:00FG JNJ. NedneyPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 18
- Score
- 26-23
(2:00) 6-J.Nedney 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1T. Scheffler · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +5.39 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.80 EPA/play
- 2
Ryan Smith · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +5.06 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.01 EPA/play - 3A. Battle · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +4.43 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 4Morice Norris Jr. · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +4.22 total EPA · 1 snaps · +4.22 EPA/play
- 5T. Jacobs · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +3.25 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.62 EPA/play
- 6
Frank Gore Jr. · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +2.90 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.45 EPA/play - 7
Micah Robinson · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +2.71 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.36 EPA/play - 8
Markquese Bell · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.31 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
T. Scheffler — DEN · Receiving
T. Scheffler posted the highest total EPA (+5.39) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Denver Broncos. Across 3 counted snaps, they averaged +1.80 EPA per play.
T. Scheffler's top snap (+2.51 EPA): (1:35) 6-J.Cutler pass short middle to 88-T.Scheffler for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Biggest single play (-9.77 EPA): Arian Smith — (2:24) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 24-C.Bailey at DEN 30. 24-C.Bailey for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
Arian Smith led all passers in efficiency for San Francisco 49ers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
Arian Smith (San Francisco 49ers) · 39 dropbacks · 43.6% completion · -5.3% CPOE · -0.19 EPA/play · -7.40 total EPA- J. Cutler (Denver Broncos) · 38 dropbacks · 55.3% completion · +2.7% CPOE · -0.09 EPA/play · -3.27 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | San Francisco 49ers | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.083 | -0.164 |
| Offensive success rate | 43.1% | 40.7% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.250 | -0.230 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.091 | -0.165 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.164 | +0.083 |
| Defensive success rate | 59.3% | 56.9% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, San Francisco 49ers generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.08 vs -0.16), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- San Francisco 49ers: -0.08 EPA/play (33rd percentile vs. 2006 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: -0.16 EPA/play (21st percentile vs. 2006 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: 17 drives, -14.89 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- San Francisco 49ers: 15 drives, -8.51 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Denver Broncos — C. Bailey
- San Francisco 49ers — Morice Norris Jr. (Arian Smith pass)
- San Francisco 49ers — Will Harris
- Denver Broncos — T. Scheffler (J. Cutler pass)
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- San Francisco 49ers — J. Nedney
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
- San Francisco 49ers — J. Nedney
- San Francisco 49ers — J. Nedney
- San Francisco 49ers — J. Nedney
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 3–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the SF 4 (Q1 0:47) — (:47) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer..
The second quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 10–3. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the SF 3 (Q2 11:23) — (11:23) 1-J.Elam 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the DEN 35 (Q2 2:24) — (2:24) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 24-C.Bailey at DEN 30. 24-C.Bailey for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q2 2:09) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the DEN 28 (Q2 0:09) — (:09) 6-J.Nedney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee..
The third quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 14–3. San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the DEN 32 (Q3 8:01) — (8:01) 11-A.Smith pass short right to 40-M.Norris for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q3 7:52) — 6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the SF 78 (Q3 6:35); San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q3 6:25) — 6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the SF 4 (Q3 1:48) — (1:48) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer..
The fourth quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–6. San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the DEN 11 (Q4 12:00) — (12:00) 6-J.Nedney 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.; San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the DEN 28 (Q4 6:18) — (6:18) 6-J.Nedney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the SF 9 (Q4 1:35) — (1:35) 6-J.Cutler pass short middle to 88-T.Scheffler for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the SF 2 (Q4 1:30) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer..
Overtime: San Francisco 49ers won the period 3–0. San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the DEN 18 (OT 2:00) — (2:00) 6-J.Nedney 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Denver Broncos (OT 4:40) — (4:40) 3-P.Ernster punts 54 yards to SF 27, Center-83-M.Leach. 17-B.Williams to SF 39 for 12 yards (54-P.Chukwurah).
- San Francisco 49ers (OT 7:07) — (7:07) 4-A.Lee punts 33 yards to DEN 11, Center-86-B.Jennings, fair catch by 87-D.Kircus.
- Denver Broncos (Q3 6:35) — (6:35) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass short left intended for 82-S.Alexander INTERCEPTED by 27-W.Harris at DEN 28. 27-W.Harris for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q2 2:24) — (2:24) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 24-C.Bailey at DEN 30. 24-C.Bailey for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- San Francisco 49ers (OT 3:34) — (3:34) (Shotgun) 11-A.Smith pass short left to 84-B.Gilmore to DEN 25 for 14 yards (21-H.Abdullah).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- San Francisco 49ers (Q2 2:24) — (2:24) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 24-C.Bailey at DEN 30. 24-C.Bailey for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q3 6:35) — (6:35) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass short left intended for 82-S.Alexander INTERCEPTED by 27-W.Harris at DEN 28. 27-W.Harris for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q2 8:44) — (8:44) 16-J.Plummer pass deep middle intended for 84-J.Walker INTERCEPTED by 27-W.Harris at SF 19. 27-W.Harris to DEN 39 for 42 yards (39-K.Johnson). FUMBLES (39-K.Johnson), ball out of bounds at DEN
- San Francisco 49ers (Q3 8:01) — (8:01) 11-A.Smith pass short right to 40-M.Norris for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q1 0:47 · SF 4 · Score 0-3
(:47) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 11:23 · SF 3 · Score 0-6
(11:23) 1-J.Elam 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 2:24 · DEN 35 · Score 0-12
(2:24) 11-A.Smith pass short right intended for 21-F.Gore INTERCEPTED by 24-C.Bailey at DEN 30. 24-C.Bailey for 70 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 2:09 · SF 2 · Score 0-13
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q2 0:09 · DEN 28 · Score 3-13
(:09) 6-J.Nedney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q3 8:01 · DEN 32 · Score 9-13
(8:01) 11-A.Smith pass short right to 40-M.Norris for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q3 7:52 · DEN 2 · Score 10-13
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q3 6:35 · SF 78 · Score 16-13
(6:35) (Shotgun) 6-J.Cutler pass short left intended for 82-S.Alexander INTERCEPTED by 27-W.Harris at DEN 28. 27-W.Harris for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q3 6:25 · DEN 2 · Score 17-13
6-J.Nedney extra point is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q3 1:48 · SF 4 · Score 17-16
(1:48) 1-J.Elam 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q4 12:00 · DEN 11 · Score 20-16
(12:00) 6-J.Nedney 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q4 6:18 · DEN 28 · Score 23-16
(6:18) 6-J.Nedney 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 1:35 · SF 9 · Score 23-22
(1:35) 6-J.Cutler pass short middle to 88-T.Scheffler for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 1:30 · SF 2 · Score 23-23
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — OT 2:00 · DEN 18 · Score 26-23
(2:00) 6-J.Nedney 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-86-B.Jennings, Holder-4-A.Lee.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- San Francisco 49ers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- T. Scheffler (Denver Broncos) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Arian Smith (SF) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won San Francisco 49ers vs Denver Broncos on 2006-12-31?
The San Francisco 49ers beat the Denver Broncos 26-23 in Week 17, 2006.
What was the score by quarter in San Francisco 49ers vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: San Francisco 49ers 0, Denver Broncos 3; Q2: San Francisco 49ers 3, Denver Broncos 10; Q3: San Francisco 49ers 14, Denver Broncos 3; Q4: San Francisco 49ers 6, Denver Broncos 7; Q5: San Francisco 49ers 3, Denver Broncos 0; Final: San Francisco 49ers 26, Denver Broncos 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in San Francisco 49ers vs Denver Broncos?
Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Bailey (Q2 2:24) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — M. Norris (A. Smith pass) (Q3 8:01) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — W. Harris (Q3 6:35) Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Scheffler (J. Cutler pass) (Q4 1:35) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q1 0:47, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q2 11:23, 3 pts) San Francisco 49ers field goal — J. Nedney (Q2 0:09, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q3 1:48, 3 pts) San Francisco 49ers field goal — J. Nedney (Q4 12:00, 3 pts) San Francisco 49ers field goal — J. Nedney (Q4 6:18, 3 pts) San Francisco 49ers field goal — J. Nedney (OT 2:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in San Francisco 49ers vs Denver Broncos?
Arian Smith (San Francisco 49ers), 43.6% completion, -5.3% CPOE, -0.19 EPA per dropback, -7.40 total passing EPA. J. Cutler (Denver Broncos), 55.3% completion, +2.7% CPOE, -0.09 EPA per dropback, -3.27 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in San Francisco 49ers vs Denver Broncos?
T. Scheffler (Denver Broncos) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +5.39 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 3 snaps. Their top snap (+2.51 EPA): (1:35) 6-J.Cutler pass short middle to 88-T.Scheffler for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Was San Francisco 49ers vs Denver Broncos a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. San Francisco 49ers won 26-23 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
San Francisco 49ers
Entered 6-9 Now 7-9 W
Denver Broncos
Entered 9-6 Now 9-7 L
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
