NFL Picks: The Denver Broncos are again considered to be the team to beat in the AFC West but are getting a strong challenge from an upstart San Diego Chargers team that is not going away. The San Francisco 49ers old school formula of power running, play action passing, and stout defense is again making profits on the board and for wins on the field.
In a potential Super Bowl matchup for next February, the Broncos will host the 49ers at Sports Authority Field on Sunday Night with coverage on NBC starting at 8:30 PM ET. Denver opened as a seven point favorite with a total of 47.
Bronco Busting Defense
Denver is 4-1 straight up, 2-3 against the spread, and 3-2 over the total after a 31-17 win at the New York Jets. Denver has shown marked improvement on defense to rank fourth overall in the NFL and sixth for points allowed. Peyton Manning is humming like a Hall of Fame Machine with a 110.5 QB rating and 15-3 TD-INT ratio.
Gold Strike
The 49ers have come away with the money in three straight games and are coming off a 31-17 Monday Night win at St. Louis to now stand at 4-2 SU, 4-2 ATS, and 2-4 under the total. San Francisco ranks 2nd in the NFL for total defense, and seventh for rushing offense. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick continues to show improved play with a 97.0 QB rating and 10-4 TD-INT ratio.
Matchup and Pick
The 49ers have had firm control of the cashier’s cage in road games with just five losses against the betting line in their last 20 away tilts as seven out of their last nine away games have gone under the total. Denver has covered the spread in just two out of their last seven home games as four out of their last seven home games have gone under the total.
San Francisco has covered the spread in five out of their last seven meetings with the Broncos including the last two matchups as three out of the last four meetings between the 49ers and Broncos have gone under the total. We’ll call for the 49ers (+7) and under the total of 47.
