The Denver Broncos are heading into the 2013 season with Super Bowl aspirations and with the San Francisco 49ers waiting as their first opponent of the preseason, this is one game that could be a preview of the championship matchup at the end of the year, as both teams are considered favorites to make it to MetLife Stadium.
The Broncos were defeated last season in spectacular fashion against the Baltimore Ravens at home in the playoffs and now Peyton Manning will get his chance to start things off against the 49ers, who will be countering with star Colin Kaepernick, the clear breakout player from last season after he took over from Alex Smith. Both teams are working in new players on offense, including Wes Welker for the Broncos and Anquan Boldin for the 49ers. The team also will be looking for AJ Jenkins to step after a tough rookie season after Michael Crabtree was injuries as well as Quinton Patton, Ricardo Lockette and Marlon Moore.
The Broncos have a number of players that are looking to prove themselves, including rookie Montee Ball as well as Ronnie Hillman, Knowshon Moreno and Jacob Hester and the team will also have some shuffling on the offensive line, as Ryan Clady and Orlando Franklin will be out of the game. The team also will be breaking in new center Ryan Lilja after he signed due to injuries to Dan Koppen and he likely won't play either.
Manning will be working with Welker at game speed for the first time and he adds him to a stable that already includes Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. The team also signed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and cornerback Quentin Jammer in the offseason and the passing defense is likely to improve with those additions. Brock Osweiler will get playing time in the game after Manning and the game comes before the Broncos play the Seattle Seahawks, Rams and Cardinals, making it an all NFC West preseason for the team.
Streaming on NFL.com
TV Coverage on NFL Network.
Game starts at 9 PM.
