Week 14 is upon us, and we get to ease our way into the week with an AFC matchup on Thursday Night Football. Of course, that matchup does involve the cross-Bay Oakland Raiders facing the Peyton Manning-led Denver Broncos. So I suppose both teams have something that piques the interest of 49ers fans in some form or fashion.

The Broncos are running away with the division as Manning has bounced back in fine form with their offense and a strong defense. One player to keep an eye on in this game is Von Miller. He is 2.5 sacks back of Aldon Smith, but is getting a bit more love in the Defensive Player of the Year race.

Miller and J.J. Watt are both getting more ink for that in part because of what they do outside of the pass rush. Aldon Smith has been solid all around as a linebacker, but Miller has filled up the stat sheet a bit more with 12 stuffs to go along with an interception and his 15.0 sacks. Watt has 15 pass deflections on the line, to go along with a pair of fumble recoveries. It's going to be a stiff race for the DPOY honors.