49ers vs. Chiefs Preseason Prediction
Will the 49ers be able to cover the spread Friday night in their preseason opener at the Chiefs?
The Chiefs are a 3.5-point favorite according to sports book Bovada.lv and the over-under is set at 37.5. When the line opened Kansas City was a 4.5-point favorite before it was bet down, but the over-under has remained steady.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: It seems like yesterday when the 49ers were competing in Super Bowl XLVII, but times have been rough the last several seasons as they are in the middle of a rebuild. Expect another down year as they are still searching for their quarterback of the future, handing the reins this year to a temporary solution in Brian Hoyer. He should see action Friday as will Matt Barkley, C.J. Beathard and perhaps even Nick Mullens. There is minimal talent at wide receiver, with free agent pickups Marquise Goodwin and Pierre Garcon listed atop the depth chart. Carlos Hyde has shown the ability to be a solid running back when healthy, but he’ll probably sit this game out to keep him fresh for the regular season. Spots are up for grabs on this roster and the preseason is the time to be noticed.
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KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: The Chiefs have quietly been one of the better teams in the AFC under head coach Andy Reid, qualifying for the playoffs three of the past four seasons. Some critics say their offensive style of play doesn’t translate well to the postseason, but they have won a pair of playoff games during that timeframe and simply eventually ran into better opponents. Kansas City still employs reliable Alex Smith at quarterback, although week one of the preseason will be an opportunity to see more of Tyler Bray and rookie first round draft pick Patrick Mahomes. There is decent enough running back and receiver depth to provide a strong showing, while the Chiefs defense is typically stout and that should once again be the case this year.
OUR PREDICTION: The preseason levels the playing field, so despite the overall disparity in talent the case can be made that backups and third-stringers for the 49ers could play themselves into starting role if they perform well over the next several weeks. San Francisco also won both of its road preseason games straight up last year.
FRIDAY NFL PRESEASON PREDICTION: 49ERS +3.5