It is time for Week 1 of the NFL preseason, allowing us to quench our thirsts for football betting. While it can be unpredictable, you have a chance to find an edge if you can decipher team depth charts and player usage.
Here we have a matchup between the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers. The big questions are how much Jordan Love will we see? And will Trey Lance suit up?
This article will explore Green Bay vs San Francisco betting tips for Week 1 of the preseason.
Packers vs 49ers Odds
The 49ers are 2.5-point home favorites in a game with a 33.5-point total, which is one of the higher numbers of this week’s preseason matchups, according to our NFL odds. I was surprised to see the 49ers favored, as I think it is more likely we see more Love than Lance, giving Green Bay an advantage at quarterback.
Packers vs 49ers Implied Score
49ers 18, Packers 15.5
Bookmakers expect the 49ers to narrowly edge the Packers in a low-scoring slugfest. Week 1 preseason games tend to be lower scoring, as coaches are more inclined to look at individual performances rather than playing to win. So while 33.5 is a low bar, it’s more likely that this stays Under.
Packers vs 49ers Pick of the Day
Read more on this Packers vs 49ers bet below.
Packers vs 49ers Matchup
Packers’ quarterback Jordan Love has reportedly looked impressive in training camp. It will be interesting to see what he can do in their first preseason game. The same goes for rookie wide receiver Romeo Doubs, who has been the talk of the town in Green Bay.
49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan reportedly plans to play Trey Lance in this game, but it is unlikely that he will see too much action. It is hard to see the clear-cut starting quarterback play much in a meaningless preseason contest. On the other hand, Love needs his reps, so advantage Green Bay.
Packers vs 49ers Prediction
Packers 17, 49ers 13
The angle we are taking here emphasizes the Love-to-Doubs connection for Green Bay while the 49ers play Lance for a series or two before sending him to the bench. However, there is more at stake for the Packers as they try to get more reps for a wideout that could make a significant impact this year in Doubs.
Let’s not forget that Love was a former first-round pick. Perhaps he is a late bloomer and can build on what he has shown in camp so far. We may also see second-year wideout Amari Rodgers get extended run as he tries to find his role within the offense. Green Bay has more moving parts offensively here, allowing them to assess position battles.
On the other hand, the 49ers’ offense is pretty set in stone, led by Lance, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, and Elijah Mitchell. Perhaps we’ll see rookie running back Tyrion Davis-Price or second-year Trey Sermon get some work, but I am giving the advantage to the Packers in this one.
Packers vs 49ers Bet Tips
Week 1 of the NFL preseason is as unpredictable as can be, as you are unsure how much certain impact players will suit up. This is why it is a good idea to prioritize the underdogs, especially if they have an intriguing backup quarterback that needs more work, like the Packers and Jordan Love.
Packers vs 49ers Best Bets
Packers +2.5 (-110) at BetMGM Sportsbook
We are going with the Packers and the points here, as there is not much of a reason for the 49ers to be favored in this one.
Home-field advantage is not a factor during the preseason, and it is unlikely Lance will play much in this one. Roll with Green Bay as a road underdog for your NFL pick of the day.
