49ers vs Broncos: Both Have Battles for Starting Quarterback
The 2016 NFL preseason lineup of games for Week 2 will conclude on Saturday out west when the Denver Broncos host the San Francisco 49ers. The current line has Denver favored by 5 points with the over/under point total sitting on 39.5.
San Francisco started its first game under Chip Kelly its new head coach on a positive note with a halftime lead of 13-7, but the 49ers were shutout in the second half by Houston and lost 24-13. Thaddeus Lewis played quarterback for the most snaps in the first game for the 49ers.
Lewis ended the game 12 for 21 through the air for 97 yards. Blaine Gabbert threw San Francisco’s only touchdown pass in the game with a strike to Vance McDonald. Gabbert is battling Colin Kaepernick for the starting quarterback position for the 49ers.
Last season he started eight games and threw 10 touchdown passes and 7 interceptions. Kaepernick is slightly injured and may not see action in this game. Kaepernick is a dual threat at quarterback.
Denver played well in its preseason opener beating the Chicago Bears 22-0, after leading at halftime 20-0. Mark Sanchez who is battling for the starting quarterback position played well completing 10 pass in his 13 attempts totaling 99 yards. He threw one TD pass and was picked off once.
Cody Latimer led the Broncos in receiving with 7 receptions. The third year receiver had 82 yards receiving in the game.
Denver has depth at its running back position, as C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman have the most experience, but Devontae Booker a rookie is raising some eyebrows.
San Francisco is 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in its past 6 games played on Saturday.
Denver is 9-3 ATS over its past 12 games played on Saturday.
The UNDER has cashed in 6 of the past 7 games the 49ers have played on grass.
The UNDER has cashed in 5 of the past 6 games Denver has played at home.
The defense for Denver is the best in football and even its second and third lineup of defenders will shutdown the 49ers offense, as San Francisco tries to learn a new system under Kelly.
Both teams will have strong play at quarterback thanks to the No. 1 spot still up for each team. That could help the offensive output of both teams.
Prediction: Denver’s defense is far stronger than the 49ers offense. Learn here toward the hosts.
