San Francisco 49ers (0-0) vs. Denver Broncos (0-0)
August 9, 2025 8:30 pm EDT
The Line: San Francisco 49ers +6.5 ; Over/Under: 3.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers meet in week 1 NFL Preseason action from Levi’s Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a 49ers vs Broncos Prediction.
Denver Broncos Team Preview
The Denver Broncos come into the 2025 campaign with a sense of optimism and hope after a 10-7 mark in 2024 that marked their first winning season since 2016. This also got the team a Wild Card spot, which ended as a 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Under Sean Payton, and apparent cornerstone QB Bo Nix, selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, enters his sophomore year after showing promise as the leader of the offense. To enhance his supporting cast, the Broncos signed tight end Evan Engram to a two-year deal, wide receiver Trent Sherfield, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and safety Talanoa Hufanga in free agency, bolstering offensive versatility and defensive depth. Offensive Line continuity remains, with tackle Matt Peart re-signed to a two-year extension, while veteran Jarrett Stidham returns as backup quarterback depth.
On defense, the team extended standout lineman Zach Allen with a four-year deal and drafted cornerback Jahdae Barron, running back R.J. Harvey, wide receiver Pat Bryant, defensive end Sai’vion Jones, edge rusher Que Robinson, and punter Jeremy Crawshaw. The Broncos also fortified special teams by re-signing long snapper Mitchell Fraboni and adding punter Matt Haack. Anchored by Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, Denver’s defense, which ranked third in points allowed and led the league in sacks in 2024, aims for consistency into 2025. With continuity on both sides, strategic reinforcements, and growing experience under Payton’s system, the Broncos are well-positioned to build on last season’s momentum.
San Francisco 49ers Team Preview
One year removed from a Super Bowl run, the San Francisco 49ers enter 2025 looking to rebound from a disappointing 6–11 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs. The 2024 season was derailed by injuries to stars like running back Christian McCaffrey, who missed eight games, and wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who landed on injured reserve, while the defense collapsed to 29th in the league in points allowed. Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen was fired after the season, and Robert Saleh returned to take over the defense. The offseason brought major roster turnover: dynamic receiver Deebo Samuel was traded to Washington, while starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, cornerback Charvarius Ward, and left guard Aaron Banks departed in free agency.
To fill the void, San Francisco added veteran safety Richie Grant, receiver Demarcus Robinson, and former Patriots quarterback Mac Jones as a backup behind Brock Purdy. Despite the upheaval, key cornerstones remain — All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and edge rusher Nick Bosa still anchor the defense, and Purdy still has weapons like a hopefully healthy McCaffrey and Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle on offense. Head coach Kyle Shanahan promoted Klay Kubiak to offensive coordinator, and with a revamped staff and a proven core, the 49ers will attempt to bounce back and return to the playoffs in 2025.
49ers vs Broncos Prediction
It’s a bit tricky to figure out the motivation in this matchup, but I’m looking at Denver here. San Francisco’s main goal even for their backups should be prioritizing health with how many injuries this team has endured the last year or so. I think Denver has the upper hand in terms of quality depth that’s going to see the bulk of the playing time in this game. All in all, I think Denver’s in a better place here so I’ll roll with the Broncos in this one.
