Two Super Bowl favorites are set to collide today as the 49ers and Broncos square off in a nationally televised preseason battle at Sports Authority Field at Mile High (4:00pm ET start time, FOX). The odds makers envision this afternoon’s game being a hard fought one with the latest NFL Preseason San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos odds listing the hosting Broncos as a -1 against the spread favorite. Today’s game total is set at 40 points; the juice is set at -110 for both the Over and Under.
By most people’s account, the current version of Peyton Manning looks close enough to the player that won four MVP’s that Broncos fans should be excited about the team’s 2012 potential. However, Manning’s numbers through two preseason games are anything but glowing.
Manning has completed 20-of-30 passes for 221 yards, and three interceptions, leading to a less than commendable 46.1 quarterback rating. Yes, it is preseason, but Denver fans, and probably Head Coach John Fox, would love to see the veteran signal caller add a touchdown to his Broncos resume.
That feat may or may not come this afternoon against the 49ers. San Francisco fields one of the stingiest defenses in the league, and they should be amped for this contest as it will feature extended playing time for the first teamers. Manning, on the other hand, indicated his time under center against the Niners could be limited.
Fox, according to the players, has not stated how long his starters will play today, which could just be a game of cat and mouse with San Francisco’s Jim Harbaugh. Regardless of which offensive players Denver runs out there or how long those players play, the 49ers figure to make life difficult for them.
San Francisco allowed an average of 13.5 first downs, 243.5 yards, and 14.5 points per game in its first two preseason games (a 17-6 win over the Vikings and a 20-9 loss at Houston).
Free Pick: Take the Under 40 in today’s game.
NFL Preseason San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos Odds:
San Francisco 49ers +1 (-105), Over 40 (-110), +105 (Moneyline)
Denver Broncos -1 (-115), Under 40 (-110), -125 (Moneyline)
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