Friday Four Play
By Judd Hall
Yes, our long national nightmare is over. The NFL is back in session. Sure, it’s only the preseason, but the fact remains that we have games to watch and bet on. Friday is the second true full night of exhibition action with four matches on the board. Will be already padding out our bankroll or will we be rolling pennies for gas and coveting Top Ramen after Friday night? Let’s take a look at all the tilts for some good info.
Rams at Jets – 7:05 p.m. EDT, NFL Network
One of the things that bettors like to hang their hats on for the preseason for an angle is tendencies of the head coaches. So what do you do when both teams going at it are fronted by first year coaches? Try looking at their backgrounds.
St. Louis is coached by the Giants’ former defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. That means you’re going to see a spirited effort out of the gate on the stop unit, which is good since they gave up 29.1 points per game last season.
The Rams aren’t going to be changing on just defense. Gone are the days of the “Greatest Show on Turf,” replaced now with a run oriented attack. So the quarterback rotation of Marc Bulger, Kyle Boller and Keith Null won’t be nearly as important. Instead, focus is on making sure that Stephen Jackson doesn’t get overworked. We should expect to see Chris Ogbonnaya, Antonio Pittman and Samkon Gado auditioning on Friday night.
New York doesn’t have the same issues on offense under new head coach Rex Ryan. They decided to keep Brian Schottenheimer as Offensive Coordinator. What has been the burning question in the Jets’ training camp is who will be their starting quarterback: incumbent Kellen Clemmens or rookie Mark Sanchez?
Ryan has already made it known that Clemmens will get the starting nod, no doubt because of familiarity with the system. Sanchez will also get some field time as well. Fans and gambler might miss them under center if they blink as they are slated to play just one series apiece. So we’re going to get a chance to see Erik Ainge and Harvard rookie Chris Pizzotti.
Most betting shops have opened the line for this game with the Jets as 3 ½-point home favorites and a total of 33 ½. Both are pretty standard numbers for a preseason contest, to be honest.
At first blush, you’d have to expect a low scoring contest here with two defensive minded coaches that don’t want to lose anyone important to injury.
The edge would also go to the Rams for an outright win here. First year coaches in their first road preseason last season went 3-1 straight up and 4-0 against the spread. The ‘under’ went 3-1 as well.
Vikings at Colts – 7:30 p.m. EDT
Here’s a game between two teams that have already had plenty of drama during the summer before even getting into a game.
The Vikings were left in limbo as to whether Brett Favre would play for them in 2009. Now that Favre has decided to keep making Wrangler ads, Minnesota is left with a QB battle between Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels. Odds are pretty good we’re going to see more of John David Booty and Sean Glennon than the other two gun slingers.
Jackson has recently been quoted that he doesn’t know who will start or how long he’ll play. What is known is that Brad Childress is planning on running a very vanilla game plan on the attack. Probably has something to do with the fact that recent practices have been very sloppy, with no flow to them.
Indianapolis is coming into this season with a brand new head coach in Jim Caldwell, a new OC in Clyde Christensen (Tom Moore is in limbo) and Larry Coyer is running the defense. This influx of new blood on the coaching side has worried some people. This is a team that has been the absolute model of consistency for the last seven seasons under Tony Dungy.
The Colts are stable where it counts, on the field. Peyton Manning has started his life without Marvin Harrison quite well with Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez setting up as the top two receivers. Gonzalez won’t be in the lineup, opting to sit out with a slightly pulled hamstring.
Manning will most likely be out for two or three series to start the game. Jim Sorgi will not be filling in for the future Hall of Famer as he’ll be “out” with a hamstring injury. Purdue’s Curtis Painter will get the majority of play, followed up by Chris Crane.
The majority of sportsbooks have listed Minnesota as a one-point road “chalk” with the total home steady at 35.
Nobody should be surprised by the Vikes being favored in this spot. Indy does not care about exhibition football. Look no further than a 3-15 SU record over the last four years as proof. The Colts are just 1-7 SU and 1-6-1 ATS at home in that stretch.
We should note that Childress doesn’t really give a damn about preseason games either; he is 3-3 SU in six road games as Minnesota’s head coach. The Vikings have been profitable in that stretch though for bettors by going 4-2 ATS.
Bengals at Saints – 8:00 p.m. EDT
We’ve heard a load of hype about how the Bengals are going to be in the running for the playoffs. Now everyone will get to see how this team performs with some expectations on their shoulders.
It all starts under center for Cincinnati with Carson Palmer, who is finally at full strength after suffering with a bad elbow for much of 2008. It’s also going to help Palmer to have Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles as his prime targets. At the tight end position, it’s not going too well for the Bengals. Reggie Kelly is on the Injured Reserve List with a ruptured left Achilles tendon. Ben Utecht (neck) is “out” with a concussion, which leaves Chase Coffman and Darius Hill handling the snaps.
After Palmer, the Bengals will be sending out J.T. O’Sullivan and Jordan Palmer (Carson’s little brother) to run the offense the rest of the way. However, we might see Billy Farris coming in for a series or two in the fourth quarter.
New Orleans has practically set its QB rotation in stone with Drew Brees and the rest of the starting offense playing the first quarter. Mark Brunell will take the second and part of the third, Joey Harrington will take control thereafter.
It sounds like the Saints’ defense is going to be the thing to watch at the Superdome. Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams is setting up defensive tackle Rod Coleman to anchor the d-line. Williams has also noted that we might see a lot of edge rushes with defensive ends Will Smith and Charles Grant against Cincy.
Las Vegas Sports Consultants has listed New Orleans as a 3 ½-point home favorite with a total of 37.
Sean Payton hasn’t given too much care to winning the preseason at home in his three years with the Saints. They have gone 1-5 SU and ATS at the Superdome since 2006.
Marvin Lewis’s Bengals have been golden for gamblers recently in preseason openers. Cincy has covered the spread in its opening exhibitions.
Broncos at 49ers – 10:00 p.m. EDT, NFL Network
Denver was another club that had its fair share of drama with the Jay Cutler Saga. Now the Broncos are Kyle Orton’s club. While attention is going to get paid to how Orton plays this preseason, it’s the other guys in the backfield where the action is for this Friday.
Knowshon Moreno has looked good in practice, but is still listed as the No. 4 option on the depth chart right now. The honor of being No. 1 goes to free agent signee Correll Buckhalter, with LaMont Jordan as the backup.
There hasn’t been any indication of how long Orton will start, but you can expect him to stay in no later than early in the second quarter. Former Buccaneer Chris Simms and Fresno State product Tom Brandstater will split up the remainder of the signal calling.
Things are a bit murky on how the 49ers will be rolling on offense in their preseason opener. Head coach Mike Singletary has said that the timetable for Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, Damon Huard and Nate Davis will be made solely on “the flow of the game.”
What we do know about the QB battle is that Hill will start the game, followed up by Smith. It appears that the former No. 1 pick will get more playing time with first team on Friday.
San Francisco will also be sitting both running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Isaac Bruce. Glen Coffee appears to be set to start in the backfield, while Jason Hill moves up to start in place of Bruce. Michael Crabtree will be busy playing as himself in Madden NFL ’10.
Most sportsbooks have made the Niners three-point home favorites with a total of 34.
This is a hard game to gauge because both sides have a new head coach (this is Singletary’s first preseason at the helm). We know the recent trend about first year coaches in their first road game already. What about their debut at home?
It doesn’t look good for backers of San Fran as rookie coaches in home debuts last season went 1-3 SU and 0-4 ATS. The ‘under’ went 3-1 in that timeframe.
vegasinsider.com
Friday's NFL preseason betting previews
By VICTOR RYAN
St. Louis Rams at New York Jets (+3.5, 33.5)
Who’s In, Who’s Out
Nothing beats a good quarterback competition when it comes to the preseason and the Jets are in the midst of a heated one between Kellen Clemens and first-round pick Mark Sanchez. Clemens entered camp as No. 1, but Sanchez appears to be closing the gap following a stellar performance in the team’s scrimmage last week.
Among the scratches for the Jets are center Nick Mangold, left guard Alan Faneca and right tackle Damien Woody. Stanley Daniels will get the start in Faneca’s place, with Robert Turner starting at center and Wayne Hunter in for Woody at right tackle.
As for the Rams, signal-caller Marc Bulger is expected to play a little longer than is the norm for returning quarterbacks in the preseason opener. First-year coach Steve Spagnulo has installed a new ‘West Coast’ offense this year and wants to get an early look at how Bulger is progressing.
Line Movement
The Jets opened as 3.5-point favorites and the line has moved to Jets -3 at some shops. The total opened at 34.5 and has moved to as low as 33.
Trends
There are no preseason coaching trends to report given both teams feature first-year head coaches.
Weather
The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies and temperature in the mid-80’s.
Cincinnati Bengals at New Orleans Saints (+3.5, 37)
Who’s in, Who’s Out
Quarterback Carson Palmer makes his long-awaited return for the Bengals after missing 12 of the team’s final 13 games last year. He is expected to start and play only briefly. He will be followed in the quarterback rotation by J.T. O’Sullivan and the starter’s brother, Jordan Palmer.
Among the notables that will not play because of injury are wide receiver Antonio Chatman and linebacker Brandon Johnson. Cincinnati will also be without its No. 1 draft pick as tackle Andre Smith remains unsigned.
As for the Saints, head coach Sean Payton said he expects the starters to go a full quarter with the exception being at quarterback. Starter Drew Brees will play briefly and backup Mark Brunell will get time with the first team before playing into the third quarter. Veteran Joey Harrington will finish the game.
The Saints enter this tilt with a depleted secondary. Cornerbacks Tracy Porter, Reggie Jones and first-round pick Malcolm Jenkins will all be out, as will safety Chip Vaughn, the Saints fourth-round pick in this year’s draft. Also out for the Saints is linebacker Mark Simoneau, who was scheduled to backup free-agent acquisition Jonathan Vilma at inside linebacker.
Line Changes
The line opened at New Orleans -3.5 and remains that way in Vegas, but several offshore shops have moved it to the Saints -3. The total opened at 37.5 and now sits at 37 at most shops.
Trends
The Saints are 6-7 SU and 6-7 ATS in three preseasons under coach Sean Payton. The over/under has gone 4-8. Bengals’ coach Marvin Lewis is entering his seventh season at the helm and in that span the Bengals in the preseason have gone 12-12 SU, 13-10-1 ATS and the over/under is 12-12.
Minnesota Vikings at Indianapolis Colts (+1, 35)
Who’s In, Who’s Out
Tarvaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels are in a battle to be the Vikings starting quarterback, but only one may see action Friday. Jackson has been limited this week because of a sprained knee and will be a game time decision. If he doesn’t play, third-stringer John David Booty will see extensive action.
The Colts will be breaking in a new head coach and two new coordinators. Quarterback Peyton Manning is expected to see limited duty and backup Jim Sorgi is out because of a hamstring injury. That means two rookies, sixth-round pick Curtis Painter out of Purdue and undrafted free agent Chris Crane (Boston College) , will get the bulk of the work behind center.
Line Movement
The line opened with the Colts -3, but heavy action on the Vikings has made Minnesota the 1-point favorite. The total has moved from 35 to 34.5.
Trends
Over the last three years with Tony Dungy as coach the Colts were 3-10 SU and 4-7-2 ATS in the preseason. The over/under was 6-5. The Vikings have gone 5-7 SU and 7-5 ATS in three seasons under Brad Childress. The over/under is 6-6.
Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers (-3, 34)
First-year Denver head coach Josh McDaniels has told his starters and draft picks to “be prepared to go a long time” in the preseason opener for both teams. In fact, McDaniels has gone as far as installing a full game plan and holding two walkthroughs at Invesco Field to better simulate gameday.
San Francisco Head Coach Mike Singletary has tabbed Shaun Hill to start at quarterback over Alex Smith. Hill will be without two of his major weapons as running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Isaac Bruce will both be held out in order to not risk injury. The 49ers will be without several other players, including starting left guard David Baas, running back Michael Robinson, cornerback Tarell Brown, linebacker Patrick Willis and tight end Delanie Walker.
Line Movement
The total has moved from 34.5 to 34 and the line has dropped at some wagering outlets from -3 to -2.5.
Trends
This will be the first preseason game for both head coaches. The Broncos are 7-5 SU and 6-5-1 ATS over the last three preseasons. The over/under is 6-6. The 49ers are 6-7 SU and 6-6 ATS over the last three seasons. The over/under is 7-5.
Weather
The forecast calls for a high of 77 degrees with sunny skies in San Francisco.
St. Louis at N.Y. Jets
Rex Ryan makes his NFL head-coaching debut when he leads the Jets against the Rams and fellow rookie coach Steve Spagnuolo.
St. Louis QB Marc Bulger, who missed much of last year with an injury, will play the entire first quarter and possibly into the second along with the rest of the starters. Spagnuolo said he plans to use all four of his quarterbacks, including second-stringer Kyle Boller as well as rookie Keith Null and veteran Brock Berlin, who are competing for the No. 3 job.
Ryan said both Kellen Clemens and rookie Mark Sanchez will play with the first-string offense, with Clemens starting under center. However, Ryan added that rookie Erik Ainge will get the majority of snaps in the game, and Harvard rookie Chris Pizzotti will play at least a series as well.
The Rams split their four preseason games both SU and ATS in each of former coach Scott Linehan’s final two seasons at the helm. However, they have lost 12 of their last 14 exhibition roadies since 2002, going 4-10 ATS. St. Louis is also 4-8 ATS as an underdog over this stretch.
The Jets have went 3-1 in August last year, the fourth time in the last five summers they’ve achieved that record. New York has cashed at a 9-6-1 clip during this span, but is just 1-3 ATS (2-2 SU) at home over the past two preseasons. Also, the Jets have failed to cover in three of their last four when laying more than three points in exhibition play.
New York spanked St. Louis 47-3 as a 9½-point home favorite last November, ending a seven-game SU and ATS losing skid to the Rams (all in the regular season) that dated to 1986.
The three battles between these teams this decade (all in the regular season) have gone over the total.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
Minnesota at Indianapolis
The Colts take the field for the first time under new coach Jim Caldwell when they battle the Vikings at Lucas Oil Field.
After being spurned by veteran QB Brett Favre three weeks ago, Minnesota entered training camp with a quarterback battle between incumbent starter Tarvaris Jackson and veteran backup Sage Rosenfels. Because neither established himself as a clear-cut favorite to win the job, both are expected to see significant time under center tonight, though coach Brad Childress didn’t say who would be the starter. The third-string QB is second-year pro John David Booty.
Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts’ starters are likely to play only a couple of series and will depart before the end of the first quarter, keeping with the Week 1 tradition of former coach Tony Dungy. Manning’s longtime backup, Jim Sorgi, is out with an injury, meaning rookie Curtis Painter “is going to get a pretty good amount of work,” Caldwell said.
The Vikings have been very mediocre in the preseason in Childress’s three years, going 5-6-1 SU and 7-6 ATS, including 1-3 SU and 2-2 ATS last year. Minnesota is also 6-7-1 SU but 9-5 ATS on the highway since 2002. However, the Vikings have lost three straight preseason openers under Childress, all as a favorite.
The Colts were abysmal in August over Dungy’s final four years, going 3-15 SU and 5-13 ATS, including 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS last year. During this four-year stretch, Indianapolis lost seven of eight preseason home games both SU and ATS, went 3-7 ATS as an underdog and lost all four preseason openers (1-3 ATS).
The host has won six of the last seven overall meetings between these teams (4-3 ATS), the lone exception come in Week 2 of the regular season last year when the Colts rallied for an 18-15 victory as a one-point road chalk.
The Vikings stayed under the total in their final two exhibition games last year, ending a 5-0 “over” run for the team. Also, Indy’s final three preseason contests in 2008 remained low.
ATS ADVANTAGE: MINNESOTA
Cincinnati at New Orleans
Two teams that failed to live up to expectations in 2008 hook up at the Superdome, as Drew Brees and the Saints entertain Carson Palmer and the Bengals.
Palmer, who missed the final 10 games of last year because of an elbow injury, is slated to play 12 to 15 snaps tonight. Coach Marvin Lewis said he’ll let the flow of the game determine how long the rest of the first team plays. Once Palmer departs, J.T. O’Sullivan will take over and play the rest of the first half, with Palmer’s brother, Jordan, leading the offense over the final two quarters.
The high-powered New Orleans’ offense will be on the field for about one quarter, though Brees is only expected to play two series before being replaced by veteran Mark Brunell. Coach Sean Payton said Brunell will work with both the first- and second-stringers and play into the third quarter, with former first-round pick Joey Harrington finishing the game.
The Bengals have been the picture of preseason mediocrity since Lewis took over in 2003, splitting their 24 games SU while going 13-11 ATS. However, Cincinnati is 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS as a visitor the past three years (all as an underdog), winning both road contests last year.
Like Cincinnati, the Saints split their two exhibition games last year both SU and ATS and are 6-7 SU and ATS under Payton. However, New Orleans lost both of its contests in the Superdome last summer and are 3-11 SU and ATS in designated preseason home games since 2002 (1-5 SU and ATS under Payton). The Saints are also 3-10 ATS in their last 13 as an exhibition chalk (1-6 ATS in that role the last four years).
The Bengals have covered in three consecutive preseason openers (2-1 SU), edging Green Bay 20-17 as a three-point underdog in 2008. Meanwhile, New Orleans is 2-1 SU and ATS in Week 1 under Payton, including a 24-10 rout at Arizona as a 2½-point road pup last year.
These teams met in Week 3 last August, with New Orleans posting a 13-0 shutout win as a 2½-point road favorite.
The under is 8-3 in New Orleans’ last 11 preseason contests overall, including 4-1 in designated home games.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NEW ORLEANS and UNDER
Denver at San Francisco
For the first time in 14 years, the Broncos take the field with a new head coach in charge, as Josh McDaniels guides his troops into San Francisco for a meeting with the 49ers and their first-year coach Mike Singletary.
McDaniels told reporters this week that he informed all of his players “to be ready to go for a long time” tonight, but wasn’t specific about actual playing time. QB Kyle Orton, who was acquired from Chicago for Jay Cutler, will get the start, while another newcomer, veteran Chris Simms, will be second under center. Rookie Tom Brandstater likely will finish up.
Shaun Hill, who is battling Alex Smith for San Francisco’s starting quarterback job, will begin this game under center, though Singletary said the competition remains wide open. Singletary added that the pace of the game will determine how long Hill plays and when Smith replaces him. Jamie Martin and Damon Huard are the other QBs on the 49ers’ roster. Starting RB Frank Gore will not suit up.
The Broncos split their four preseason games each of the last two years under former longtime coach Mike Shanahan, going 4-3-1 ATS. However, since 2002, Denver is 10-4 SU and 10-3-1 ATS in preseason road games (3-3, 2-3-1 ATS last three years on the road).
The 49ers have dropped 13 of their last 20 exhibition outings, splitting the cash during this span, including going 2-2 ATS each of the last three years. On the bright side, San Francisco did win and cover six of its eight preseason home games under former coach Mike Nolan, though one of the losses came in the 2007 opener to the Broncos, who prevailed 17-13 as a three-point pup.
The over is 4-1 in Denver’s last five preseason road games (the lone “under” occurring in San Francisco in 2007). Also, the over is 5-2 in the 49ers’ last seven August contests (3-0 at home).
ATS ADVANTAGE: OVER
Gametimepicks.com
Contrarian
By SportsPic
It has been widely accepted in preseason that you should always go with a team playing its second game against a team playing its very first. The theory being the team with a game under their belts should be better prepared and less prone to early season miscues. Have the team play it's second game at home and off a loss adds even more fuel to the theory. However, digging into our trusty NFL Preseason data base this widely accepted angle did not passed the smell test over the past nine years. Teams playing the second game vs a team playing their first are a dead-even 18-18 straight-up and cash draining 16-19-1 at the betting window. Have the team playing at home off a HOF loss the number becomes a putrid 2-7 (SU & ATS). On that note being a contrarian Saturday night when Bills host Bears could prove profitable. Bills haven't exactly been the greatest at home in preseason the past four years going 2-6 both SU & ATS scoring just 17.3 PPG while allowing the visitor to notch 21 PPG. Interesting to note Buffalo’s Dick Jauron is 0-5 ATS when laying points at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Keep in mind history has a way of repeating itself, last years home favorites were an atrocious 14-37-2 ATS including a deadly 2-10-2 against-the-oddsmaker in week-one.
Tips and Trends
Cincinnati Bengals at New Orleans Saints
Bengals: Quarterback Carson Palmer is eager to play again. Palmer is healthy after missing the final 12 games last season because of an elbow injury. One person thrilled to have Palmer back is wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. He had his worst receiving numbers last year since his rookie season of 2001. The Bengals figure to be the more inspired team coming off a 4-11-1 season. The Bengals also are being featured on the HBO series “Hard Knocks” and would like to keep building fan interest and optimism from the publicity they have been receiving from the show. Cincinnati is one of the youngest teams. The Bengals have 20 first-year players in camp. This doesn’t include No. 1 draft pick offensive tackle Andre Smith, who is a holdout. The Bengals are 6-2 against the spread the past four years in preseason when taking points.
Cincinnati has covered 6 of the last 8 times they’ve been a ‘dog during preseason.
Key Injuries - Tight ends Reggie Kelly (Achilles’ tendon) and Ben Utecht (concussion) are both out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 17
Saints (-3, O/U 37): Drew Brees threw for the most yards in the NFL last season and he also tied for the most touchdown passes with 34, but he’s not expected to play very much. Brees’ mother recently passed away so his mind probably isn’t too focused on this matchup. That should mean plenty of work for New Orleans’ backup quarterbacks - Mark Brunell and Joey Harrington. Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas are slated to split carries in the first quarter before giving way to the second and third-stringers. The Saints have changed their defense, going to multiple looks under new coordinator Gregg Williams. This is an intricate style of defense featuring many different alignments. It could take the Saints’ defenders a while to get comfortable with such a complicated scheme. The Saints use a similar scheme on offense, too, depending on the down and situation.
The Saints have gone under in 7 of their last 9 preseason contests during the past two seasons.
Key Injuries - Tight end Jeremy Shockey (ankle) and linebacker Mark Simoneau (arm) are out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 20
Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
Broncos: For the first time in 15 years the Broncos will play a game without Mike Shanahan as head coach. After missing out on the playoffs the past three years, the Broncos closed the curtain on Shanahan after 14 seasons. Denver is going through huge changes with new coach, 33-year-old Josh McDaniels. Offensively, the Broncos are looking to be more physical with a power rushing attack instead of a zone blocking scheme. They are anxious to test out rookie first-round draft choice running back Knowshon Moreno. The Broncos also have veterans LaMont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington to run the ball. Former Bears quarterback Kyle Orton is under tremendous pressure to replace Jay Cutler. Orton has not had a good camp so far. Defensively, the Broncos will employ both a 3-4 and 4-3 alignment depending on weekly needs under new coordinator Mike Nolan.
Denver is 5-1-1 ATS as a preseason underdog the past four years.
Key Injuries - Wide receiver Brandon Marshall (hip) is doubtful.
PROJECTED SCORE: 16 (OVER - Total of the Day)
49ers (-2.5, O/U 34): 49ers coach Mike Singletary has run a grueling camp having had his team practice in pads since Day 1 as he tries to lead the 49ers to their first winning season in seven years. The big question for the 49ers is who will be the starting quarterback, Shaun Hill or former No. 1 overall draft pick Alex Smith? Hill is 7-3 the past two years when starting. He’s expected to get the start in this matchup. Smith missed all of 2008 after re-injuring his surgically repaired right shoulder right before the season-opener. Following Hill and Smith in the quarterback rotation is journeyman Damon Huard. Rookie Nate Davis is in line for mop up duty. Singletary is holding out star running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Isaac Bruce, not wanting to risk an injury. Rookie Glen Coffee is filling in for Gore.
San Francisco’s last 3 preseason games have all gone over.
Key Injuries - Linebacker Patrick Willis (ankle) and running back Michael Robinson (groin) are out.
PROJECTED SCORE: 19 (Side of the Day)
Friday's NFL Action
By SBGGlobal.com
Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
The Denver Broncos start a new era on Friday as they open up the preseason at San Francisco. Gone is long-time head coach Mike Shanahan and franchise quarterback Jay Cutler. In is Head Coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback Kyle Orton.
San Francisco is a 2.5 point favorite with a total of 34 at SBG Global.
The Broncos had a tumultuous off-season with McDaniels irritating pretty much everyone including star receiver Brandon Marshall. Things seem to be better now though as Marshall is in camp, although he will not play on Friday. Jabar Gaffney is expected to get the start instead at wide receiver. Denver has a decent quarterback rotation with Orton followed by Chris Simms and rookie Tom Brandstater. The Broncos have a solid running game as well and they are hoping that rookie Knowshon Moreno makes it even better. Denver also has a new defensive coordinator in Mike Nolan and he may want to send a message to his old team on Friday.
San Francisco has a quarterback battle to deal with this preseason. Shaun Hill gets the start on Friday but he is equal with former #1 pick Alex Smith in the battle for the starting job. The 49ers also have a solid rotation of quarterbacks as Damon Huard and rookie Nate Davis may get some playing time on Friday. "Shaun Hill will start the game. I do not know who will start next week," head coach Mike Singletary said, "Really, it could have been Shaun Hill or Alex Smith we chose, so don't read anything in to it." Hill was 5-3 in the last eight games as the starter last NFL betting season for San Francisco.
"I have to approach the game taking what they give me," Hill said. "If the deep ball's available, I have to take it, but I can't go out there and force something downfield just for the sake of proving to people that I can throw the deep ball. I'm very focused on playing within myself. I feel like I've proven that when I do that what I have is sufficient."
The 49ers are holding out running back Frank Gore and wide receiver Isaac Bruce on Friday as they don’t want to risk injury. Rookie Glen Coffee will replace Gore in the starting lineup. Linebacker Patrick Willis will also not play on Friday.
The Broncos and 49ers have met a lot in the NFL betting preseason. Denver has the 18-14 edge including a win two years ago by a score of 17-13.