San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos Betting Preview/Prop Picks
25 September 2022
Time: 8:20 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: San Francisco 139.404; Denver 129.402
Dunkel Line & Total: San Francisco by 10; 50
Vegas Line & Total: San Francisco by 1; 46
Dunkel Pick: San Francisco (-1); Over
This week's Sunday Night Football game is an NFC West versus AFC West showdown. The San Francisco 49ers, led by Jimmy Garoppolo, will head to Denver to face the Broncos.
Taking over as quarterback, Garoppolo gives the 49ers a better chance to win. Last week, they beat the Seattle Seahawks 27-7, with Garoppolo leading. Can they play just as strongly this week?
The Denver Broncos, led by Russell Wilson, also earned a win last week. They beat the Houston Texans 16-9, but their offense looks awful. Poor playcalling seems to be the cause at the moment, but we'll see how they do this week.
The 49ers have a much better offense and defense than the Texans. Somehow, the Broncos come into this game as narrow underdogs.
San Francisco 49ers: 49ers only need to cover a single point
In our opinion, the 49ers are a far better team than the Broncos at the moment. Still, they come into this game as only one-point favorites. Last week, the 49ers were up 20-0 over the Seattle Seahawks at halftime.
Not only is this a testament to their offense but their defense as well. They played at home, sure, but their ability to shut out a team for an entire half is remarkable.
The 49ers average 182.5 running yards per game as a team, ranking fourth in the NFL. If Jimmy Garoppolo played in Week 1, you could argue the 49ers would be 2-0.
Their defense has allowed only 13 points per game, one of the best in the league. Considering the Broncos' offense has looked awful, the 49ers don't have much to worry about.
Denver Broncos: Will the Broncos offense take off today?
One question we're all asking is when will the Broncos' offense begin to take shape? They've started the year 1-1, barely getting a win over the Houston Texans last week.
It takes time for chemistry to build, but it seems as if the Broncos are a step slow. Last week, QB Russell Wilson completed just 14 passes out of 31, throwing one touchdown and an interception.
Defensively, the Broncos have done rather well to start the season. They've allowed just 13 points per game, same as the 49ers. Still, without a strong offense to back them up, the Broncos have suffered.
If the problem truly is playcalling, then it will need to be addressed. They've done well on the ground, averaging 126 rushing yards per game but will it be enough to win?
San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos Betting Pick
There are a few similarities between these teams, primarily on defense. However, the big difference is between these offenses.
It's also important to note that the Broncos will likely be without starting WR Jerry Jeudy. With a key weapon missing from the lineup, the Broncos' offense will suffer even more.
Another thing to take into consideration is the 49ers only need to cover a single point. After their performance over the Seahawks, the 49ers are definitely the best bet here.
We'd also remind you that the Broncos have a 1-5 record against the spread in their last six games.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: San Francisco 49ers -1, OVER
Prop Picks
San Francisco (-115) OVER 2.5 Touchdowns
San Francisco averaged 24.0 points per game on offense last season, which ranked No. 15 in the NFL. That average remained relatively steady at 23.1 points per game on the road. Scores have gone OVER in six of the 49ers’ last seven games in Week 3.
With Dunkel predicting a San Francisco win by the score of 30-20, take the 49ers (-115) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 2.5 touchdowns scored against the Broncos.
Jimmy Garoppolo (-115) OVER 234.5 Passing Yards
San Francisco averaged 236.6 passing yards per game on offense last season, which ranked No. 12 in the NFL. That average increased slightly to 237.4 passing yards per game on the road.
With Dunkel predicting the final score going OVER the Vegas point total, take Garoppolo (-115) to finish OVER 234.5 passing yards versus the Broncos.
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