NFL Week 8: Free Pick – 49ers vs Broncos – Game Preview

San Francisco 49ers (1-6) vs Denver Broncos (2-5)

Game Time: 1:00 PM EDT Sunday, October 31, 2010

Stadium: Wembley Stadium – London, UK

Surface: Grass

Weather: Light Rain, High 54F

Game Odds: San Francisco -2 Total: 42

Denver will look to regain some composure, and possibly some dignity, as they head across the pond after a nightmarish 59-14 defeat to the Oakland Raiders during Week 7. This will be the fourth regular-season NFL game to be played at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

The ‘Niners look to overcome a frustrating 23-20 loss last week as they handed the Carolina Panthers their first win of the 2010 NFL season.

The Broncos travelled Friday to the UK choosing to remain at home as long as possible before the clash, while San Francisco spent the whole week outside London at a 5-star hotel practicing on slippery grass to acclimatize to Sunday’s expected conditions.

NFL 2010 Week 8 Preview: San Francisco 49ers Offense

San Francisco has reasons to be nervous ahead of Sunday’s game, firstly the knowledge they just lost to the only team that has scored fewer points per game than themselves this season.

Second is injuries. TE Vernon Davis (with touchdowns in four straight games) is listed as questionable as he tends to an ankle injury. Center Eric Heitmann is out and RB Anthony Dixon is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury. QB Alex SMith (separated shoulder) will be replaced by Troy Smith who has had made 13 regular season pass attempts over the past three season.

Week 8 NFL 2010 Preview: Broncos Defense

Denver’s home beat down at the hands of the Raiders has sent the Broncos defensive numbers plummeting. They now rank 30th in the league in both points per game (28.4) and total rushing yards allowed per game (156.3).

Sunday is a good opportunity for the Broncos to regroup as a team, far away from home, as they try to regain some confidence. With their offensive ducks in a row they will look to rebound, get on a winning streak, and reclaim their season.

49ers vs Broncos Betting Odds & Game Predictions

Sporsbook.com online sportsbook has the 49ers as the spread favorites at -2 while the game total is set at 42 points.

Betus.com has the 49ers listed as the “home” favorite at -130 while the Broncos are the “road” underdog at +110 against the money line.

Game Prediction: The Broncos will snap out of last week’s digression against Oakland with a fervent offensive performance. It will be close, but we see the 49ers losing their seventh game in eight tries this season. Final Score: 27-23 Broncos.