Table of Contents
49ers at Broncos Week 3 Predictions, Odds and Lines
Two teams with surprising questions to answer early in the season are set to face off on Sunday Night Football, as we examine the latest 49ers vs Broncos odds.
Between them, neither team is where they hoped they’d be two weeks into the 2022 NFL Season. The 49ers lost their first-year starting quarterback Trey Lance to a season-ending ankle injury last Sunday, while the Broncos have struggled mightily with clock and game management under first-time head coach Nathaniel Hackett.
Regardless, both teams find themselves with 1-1 records and a relatively even chance to win their matchup this Sunday.
49ers vs Broncos Odds
Per Bet MGM
- Betting Favorite: 49ers -1.5
- Moneyline Odds: 49ers -120, Broncos +100
- Point Total: 44.5 Over/Under
- Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- Time/Network: 8:20 PM EST | NBC
The 49ers enter this matchup as slight road favorites on the heels of new (same as the old) starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo leading them to a decisive 27-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
The point total of 44.5 is curious – neither team has played in a game that hit the over through two weeks this year, and the point total was set below 44.5 in three of those four games. Perhaps the oddsmakers blame the Seahawks – whom the 49ers and Broncos have both played.
The two teams haven’t met since a regular season matchup in 2018 – which the 49ers won 20-14. Their last meeting in Denver – which the Broncos won 42-17 – happened in 2014.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
49ers vs Broncos Injury Report
The 49ers and Broncos enter the week with far longer injury reports than they’d like this early in the season – 23 players total, including 16 from Denver.
It will be worth monitoring this list in the run-up to kick-off as it could shift 49ers vs Broncos betting odds.
49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams is the only player on the list to lack an injury designation – the team is just allowing rest for a 34-year-old player that their fortunes depend upon.
49ers Injury Report
- DT Arik Armstead (Foot)
- OT Daniel Brunskill (Hamstring)
- RB Tyrion Davis-Price (Ankle)
- TE Tyler Kroft (Knee)
- OT Trent Williams (No Injury)
- TE George Kittle (Groin)
- OT Colton McKivitz (Ankle)
Broncos Injury Report
- DE Randy Gregory (Knee)
- WR Jerry Jeudy (Rib, Shoulder)
- DT D.J. Jones (Ankle)
- G Quinn Meinerz (Hamstring)
- CB Darius Phillips (Hamstring)
- CB Patrick Surtain (Shoulder)
- WR K.J. Hamler (Knee, Hip)
- LB Josey Jewell (Calf)
- S Caden Sterns (Hip)
- OT Billy Turner (Knee)
- CB K’Waun Williams (Wrist)
- WR Tyrie Cleveland (Hamstring)
- LB Jonathon Cooper (Hamstring)
- DE Dre’Mont Jones (Neck)
- DT Mike Purcell (Elbow)
- G Dalton Risner (Elbow)
For the 49ers, George Kittle remains the player to watch – the 2019 All-Pro tight end was the only player from the report to participate in practice as he works back from an injury that sidelined him for the 49ers’ first two games. Kittle is among the best tight ends in the league and a critical piece of the team’s offense.
For the Broncos, the biggest concern has to be the health of their receivers. Tim Patrick was injured and lost for the season before it started – the team’s ability to move the ball how they want to will suffer immensely if Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler are unable to play as well.
Key Players to Watch
A lot of NFL betting strategy centers around key playmakers. Here’s a handful of players that could significantly impact the 49ers vs Broncos odds:
49ers
- WR Deebo Samuel
- TE George Kittle
- DT Kevin Givens
- S Talanoa Hufanga
Broncos
- RB Javonte Williams
- RB Melvin Gordon
- WR Courtland Sutton
- LB Bradley Chubb
Coming off a breakout 2021 campaign, Samuel once again looks like the 49ers’ premier weapon. As a receiver, he leads the team in targets and ties Brandon Aiyuk for the lead in receptions with seven. As a runner, he trails Jeff Wilson for the lead in yardage despite taking fewer than half as many carries.
Defensively, Hufanga has been a revelation for the 49ers through two weeks, leading the team in tackles and passes defended, racking up three tackles for loss and an interception, all while playing fewer than 40 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.
For the Broncos, Sutton might be the only established receiver the team has available – he’ll get a high volume of targets, and the team will need him to make the most of them to keep the sticks moving.
Williams and Gordon have each taken 22 carries through the first two games and averaged over 4.8 yards on them, with Williams also leading the team in receptions with 12. The offense, more likely than not, will have to continue to rely on them to carry the load.
Chubb has accounted for two of the team’s seven tackles for loss and two of their five sacks. He’ll need to be special to keep the defense working if either or both of Randy Gregory and Dre’Mont Jones are limited by their injuries.
49ers Recent Record on the Road
Here’s how the 49ers have fared in their last five road games:
- Straight-up: 3-2
- ATS: 4-1
- ATS as a favorite: 0-1
Broncos Recent Record at Empower Field at Mile High
Here’s how the Broncos have fared in their last five home games:
- Straight-up: 3-2
- ATS: 3-2
- ATS as an underdog: 1-0
49ers vs Broncos Prediction
While injuries have created questions for both teams, it’s created far fewer for the 49ers – who’ve also done a better job as a team of not beating themselves. If the Broncos’ defense is as depleted as it might be, the 49ers should have a far easier time moving the ball and scoring points.
If you are looking to wager on 49ers vs Broncos odds, it may be wise to wait until the game-day availability of players is revealed.
All other things being equal, the 49ers have a clear advantage at head coach – which is worth several points of favor.
Prediction: 49ers -1.5
49ers vs Broncos Best Value Bets
Here are some other 49ers vs Broncos picks to consider:
- Javonte Williams Over 49.5 Yards Rushing (-115)
- 49ers Adjusted Spread -3.5 (+125)
