The 49ers open up their 2022 preseason this Friday, Aug. 22 against the visiting Packers, and let’s get you prepped with betting odds and how to watch.
While nearly every fresh season is eagerly anticipated, the San Francisco 49ers’ 2022 campaign is going to be quite unlike any that’s happened for some time now, largely thanks to quarterback Trey Lance finally getting his first full run as an unquestioned starter after the Niners used the No. 3 overall pick on him in the 2021 NFL Draft a year ago.
Lance has had some up-and-down moments during training camp, yet he’ll get a chance to cut his teeth against another team, finally, when the Green Bay Packers pay a visit to Levi’s Stadium for both squads’ inaugural preseason game of the year.
Sure, it’s an exhibition bout. Yet the Packers may be looking for some modest vengeance after San Francisco bounced them in the divisional round of the playoffs last season.
And while we may only see Lance and Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a mere series or two each, let’s break down the latest betting odds and predictions for the preseason opener.
49ers vs. Packers betting odds for preseason Week 1
Yes, there are betting odds for exhibition games. And courtesy of our friends over at WynnBET, the Niners and Packers is a pick-em game with an even moneyline (-110) going towards each team.
The over/under for the game is 33.5.
In case you were wondering the biggest NFL spread for Week 1 of the preseason, it’s between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans with Indy being favored by eight points.
49ers vs. Packers predictions for preseason Week 1
Let’s not dive too deep into actual final-score predictions for an otherwise meaningless contest. But, as far as “meaningless” is concerned, the game does mean a lot to fringe players on both teams’ rosters trying to earn a spot with the 53-man group.
Or, at the very least, the chance to impress 30 other teams across the NFL.
For an easy prediction, Lance probably plays a few more series than Rodgers, as it’s not as if the latter needs any more ramp-up time before the regular season. Giving the 22-year-old Lance extra reps, though, could prove vital for his prediction.
No. 2 quarterback Nate Sudfeld should wind up being San Francisco’s leading passer, though, perhaps targeting backup wide receivers like Jauan Jennings, Danny Gray and Ray-Ray McCloud, while one should predict to see a lot of action on the ground from rookie running backs Tyrion Davis-Price and Jordan Mason.
For a bolder prediction, Mason could wind up leading the 49ers with 50 rush yards on 10 carries, or something similar.
The Niners and Packers kick off from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Friday, Aug. 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET.