NFL Preseason Predictions: Broncos vs. 49ers to be low-scoring? 8/19/17
Will tonight’s Broncos and 49ers game be low-scoring at 10:00PM ET in Santa Clara?
The Matchup: Broncos vs. 49ers, 10:00PM ET, Levi’s Stadium
According to oddsmakers, the 49ers are 3-point home favorites to beat the Broncos tonight. San Francisco opened as a 2.5-point favorite but the line was bet up a half-point. As for the total, the number hit the board at 40 but has been bet down to 39.5.
Denver Broncos
Trevor Siemian was 6-of-7 passing for 51 yards in the Broncos’ preseason win over the Bears last week. Siemian continues to battle Paxton Lynch for Denver’s starting quarterback job. While Lynch was 6-for-9 for 42 yards in that same game against Chicago, his average pass went for just 4.7 yards. Siemian’s, by comparison, went for 7.3.
De’Angelo Henderson, meanwhile, rushed seven times for 54 yards and a touchdown to lead the Broncos. Cody Latimer also caught seven passes for 54 yards while Isaiah McKenzie hauled in a 47-yard touchdown.
San Francisco 49ers
The Niners also won their preseason opener, beating the Chiefs 27-17 in Kansas City. Matt Barkley was 10-of-17 passing for 168 yards, while Brian Hoyer was just 1-of-4 for three yards in his San Francisco debut.
With Carlos Hyde only receiving two carries (0 yards), Raheem Mostert rushed 15 times for 89 yards to lead the 49ers in rushing. Kendrick Bourne also caught four passes for 88 yards and a touchdown while Tyler McCloskey also saw the end zone.
Our Prediction
Lynch has been receiving first-team reps in practice in preparation to start tonight. He reportedly has been terrible in practice. San Francisco isn’t loaded with talent but its strength is definitely on defense, so I expect the Niners to keep Lynch in check.
Kyle Shanahan, meanwhile, is still trying to install his new offense in San Francisco. The Niners scored plenty last week but Denver’s defense will be a different animal tonight. I like the game to be low-scoring this evening in Santa Clara.
NFL Preseason Week 2 Prediction: Broncos/49ers under 39.5
