The Denver Broncos will open up their 2013 NFL preseason scheduled as they travel to play the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers in an exhibition pro football game on Thursday night.
Start time from San Francisco is scheduled for 9PM Eastern Time with live national television provided only by the Denver and San Francisco home markets.
The betting odds from this week one preseason game have the home side San Francisco 49ers favored by -3 points with an over under line of 35 ½ points. Those wagering the San Francisco 49ers on the money line will lay -155 odds with the return on the road underdog Denver Broncos at +135 odds to pull off the straight up win with no need for points on their side.
Week one exhibition games we often see very limited work by the starters as coaches look to clear the bench and take a look at their roster. With that said starting quarterback Peyton Manning will see a series or two. Inexperience in the backup quarterback positions for Denver as rookies Zac Dysert, Ryan Katz and one year man Brock Osweiler will vie for the number two position.
The team is loaded at the running back position with Knowshon Moreno, Lance Ball, Ronnie Hillman and Jacob Hester competing for carries. The team drafted rookie Montee Ball out of Wisconsin. Three of the team’s first four draft picks came on defense. Denver allowed just 305 yards defensively a season ago with an impressive 3.6 yards per carry average on the ground.
Returning as the 49ers starting quarterback will be third year pro Colin Kaepernick who figures to play a series or two. Those who will be battling for the backup spot on San Francisco will be veterans Colt McCoy, Scott Tolzien and rookie B.J. Daniels out of South Florida.
The 49ers are stacked with running backs Frank Gore, LaMichael James and Anthony Dixon is a back who has performed well in preseason games in the past. The team drafted D.J. Harper a running back out of Boise St. The 49ers defense was solid during the regular season but leaked during the playoffs by allowing an average of nearly 30 points per game in their final three games. Three of their first four draft picks came on defense.
