Texans vs 49ers: NFL Preseason Week 1 Preview, TV Schedule, Prediction

Texans vs 49ers: NFL Preseason Week 1 Preview, TV Schedule, Prediction

The Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers make their preseason debuts tonight in a matchup between two intriguing teams. While this is only the first preseason game, this game will provide us with further details on what the 2015 campaign could hold in store for both teams.
The Texans will look to figure who their starting quarterback is between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett after a much-publicized competition. Both have been good so far, but Bill O’Brien has said that the competition is even. Second-year QB Tom Savage should also see significant action as he tries to make this battle a three-headed competition.

Another position to keep an eye on for the Texans is at running back. With Arian Foster sidelined for the beginning of the regular season, Alfred Blue, Chris Polk and Jonathan Grimes will compete for the starting job. Blue has the experience and is the favorite, but he only averaged less than four yards per carry last season.

For the 49ers, this season is all about change. Gone are former coach Jim Harbaugh along with key players Patrick Willis, Chris Borland, Justin Smith, Michael Crabtree, Aldon Smith and Anthony Davis, to name just a few. New coach Jim Tomsula will have his hands full with a relatively new roster and two new coordinators in Eric Mangini (defense) and Geep Chryst (offense).

A position to watch for the Niners is at outside linebacker. Following Aldon Smith’s release, the 49ers are relatively thin at outside linebacker. Ahmad Brooks is entrenched at one starting position, while youngsters Aaron Lynch, Eli Harold and Corey Lemonier are competing for the other starting position.

Another position to keep an eye on is the battle for the slot receiver job. Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith are the clear-cut starters, but the Niners have lacked a quality slot receiver for years. Youngsters like Quinton Patton, Bruce Ellington and DeAndrew White, who has shined so far in camp, are the favorites to land the job.

It will be an interesting game between two potential sleeper teams that are flying under the radar this season. Houston’s defense will be too much for a re-building Niners offense, and the Texans will win in a close game.

PLEASE SHARE THIS PAGE WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW