Broncos vs. 49ers prediction, best bets: Brock Purdy maintains hot start

The 49ers started this season like they have something to prove.There was a point just before the season started when the NFC West was seen as a lock for the Rams, and if not them, the reigning champion Seahawks would take the crown.The Niners enter Week 4 undefeated and leading the league in yards per play and total touchdowns.

Their high-octane offense will clash with the Broncos’ defense at Levi’s Stadium, where the 49ers are 2.5-point favorites Sunday.There’s a lot to like about what the 49ers are doing this season.They kicked things off in Australia with a dominant win over the Rams and haven’t trailed since the second quarter of that Week 1 game.Brock Purdy is playing like an MVP and his odds reflect it.The Niners’ QB opened at 20/1 in the offseason, then jumped to the second choice on the board at +450 behind Josh Allen after three games.He’s barely made a mistake this season with 10 total touchdowns and one interception to go along with a league-leading 63.9 percent Success Rate.It’s a stark contrast from what Bo Nix has displayed in his first three games.

Nix has left a lot to be desired even in Broncos wins.He’s engineered two fourth-quarter comebacks, but it’s more concerning that the Broncos are digging themselves into huge holes with all the weapons they have to complement him.The Broncos are scoring a league-worst 3.3 points per game in the first half.If that stood over a full season, it would easily rank as the lowest first-half average since at least 2003.At some point the Broncos will find their footing, but the Niners are already humming.I’ll bet on a fast start from Purdy and the Niners at home.The Pick: 49ers -1.5 1H (-105, DraftKings)Malik Smith has been immersed in the sports betting industry since 2017.

He’s a data nerd with a particular focus on the NBA and combat sports.He spends his weeknights in the winter looking for edges on plus-money NBA player props....