Peyton Manning greased the wheels last week in his preseason debut and looks to put points on the board in his final preseason tune-up. The 39-year-old Manning has actually played more than his SF counterpart Colin Kaepernick this preseason. Kap could use the work with the Niners offense sputtering under his direction.
ODDS
Playing their first home game of the preseason, the Broncos opened as a 5-point favorite to knock off the 49ers. A large spread for an exhibition game got even larger with a half-point jump to -5.5. The total surfaced at 42.5.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers starting offense haven’t done much this preseason. Then again they haven’t had a lot of time on the field. It’s puzzling that first-year head coach Jim Tomsula has only had Kap and the starters play three combined series, considering the Niners have a new coaching staff and slew of new players. We expect Kaepernick, who’s completed 3 of 8 passes for 27 yards in his three series, to get a bulk of the reps against the Broncos. Backup Blaine Gabbert has looked good, completing all six of his attempts last week, and will take over at some point in the second half.
Peyton Manning has played more than Kaepernick following the first two weeks of preseason games. Manning made his debut last Saturday, leading the team on four drives that all ended with punts before he was replaced by Brock Osweiler early in the second quarter. Manning was 8 of 14 for 52 yards before exiting. Expect to see Manning complete the half before turning things over the Osweiler, who has played well this preseason. Third-stringer Trevor Siemian led the game-winning touchdown drive last week, but is a candidate to get major snaps in the finale.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
The signing of two-time Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis turns Denver’s most glaring question mark into one of its strengths. Now it’s up to head coach Gary Kubiak to transition the former Philadelphia Eagle into his offensive scheme. “We’re not just going to throw him out here right now,” Kubiak said, detailing a plan to bring Mathis up to speed slowly. No matter, his arrival immediately bolsters an O-line that featured three NFL novices alongside anchor Louis Vazquez and journeyman Ryan Harris. Kubiak said Mathis will do individual work in practice this week and will not play against the 49ers. The goal is to have him ready for the season opener. Max Garcia will continue to play at left guard, but will also get time at tackle to add depth and versatility to the line.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I think Peyton, you know, he just knows what you’re going to do before you do it. He’s not going to scramble around, he’s going to get the ball out before you get there.” – Broncos linebacker Von Miller on Peyton Manning, who has never been sacked 30 times in a season
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
Former Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne continues to make a bid for a roster spot. He followed up his great performance against the Texans in the preseason opener with an even bigger day last weekend against Dallas. Hayne was dynamite as a punt returner and broke off another long run in his limited time at running back. He’s still not assured of a spot on the roster, but it’s hard to imagine the 49ers leaving him off the team if he has another successful day returning kicks.
INJURIES
Linebacker Desmond Bishop remained in San Francisco for hand surgery. Safety Craig Dahl, linebacker Philip Wheeler and tight end Vance McDonald didn’t practice early this week and are questionable for Saturday’s game
Denver receiver Emmanuel Sanders hasn’t yet played this preseason and it appears that he won’t play at all. Defensive end Kenny Anunike and tight end Jeff Heuerman didn’t practice this week as they continue to mend from knee injuries. They won’t play against the Niners.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Denver’s ball-hawking defense will cause problems for Kaepernick and the 49ers, who are still trying to figure out their offense. Surprisingly Kap hasn’t seen a lot of action this preseason as he gets acclimated to new offensive coordinator Geep Chryst’s offense and a host of new faces in the huddle. There was another setback for the 49ers when linebacker Ahmad Brooks was sent home after being indicted on criminal charges. The defense got weaker and Manning is ready to roll after greasing the wheels last week.
Denver 31, San Francisco 16
BookMaker sent out the NFL spread for this Saturday game at Denver -5 with a total of 42.5. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, totals and spreads. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
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