49ers vs. Broncos: Predictions for Super Bowl Hopefuls After Preseason Battle

The Denver Broncos are a better team than the San Francisco 49ers, and their final record in 2012 will reflect that. 

While it is silly to draw too many conclusions from a preseason game, this was the third preseason contest for both teams, and one that typically most resembles a regular-season matchup. And I saw enough to know the Broncos are the superior side. 

Check out two things for each team that this game revealed to me. 

49ers Defense Will Be a Shell of 2011 Version 

The 49ers defense is still strong, just not as strong as the one that finished fourth in overall defense and first in rushing a season ago.

Peyton Manning easily picked apart this secondary by going 10-of-12 for 122 yards and two touchdowns. This isn't just about the stats either. 

The 49ers defense was without Aldon Smith and NaVorro Bowman, but their lack of a pass rush was alarming. Manning had way too much time to find the open guy, and guys were open. The starting secondary was a mess for San Francisco. 

Even more alarming is the fact that starting Bronco running back Willis McGahee had seven carries for 27 yards. That 3.9 yards per carry number is a good mark for a defense, but it is not up to the standards of last year's team. Denver was getting a solid push at the line of scrimmage.

The 49ers will likely crank up the intensity in the trenches when games start counting, but the front seven looked nowhere near as menacing at the point of attack as they did last year. 

49ers Will Finish 9-7

With their defense slipping from last year, so will San Francisco's record. The 49ers offense should put up better numbers than last, but not enough to compensate for their slippage in defense.

Also working against the Niners is their schedule. They have games against the last two Super Bowl winners (Giants and Patriots), and they travel to Green Bay to open their season. 

They also will be playing in a division that should be improved from 2012. Wins will be harder to come by for San Francisco this year. 

Peyton Manning Will Go Be Named to the Pro Bowl

Peyton Manning is going to be just fine. His arm strength might not be where it was prior to his injury, but his accuracy is rounding into elite form, and his amazing comprehension for the game is not going to diminish.

We mentioned his stats above, and this was the last sign I needed to confirm Manning was ready to dominate. He has looked good physically coming into this game, but had compiled just a 36.3 passer rating in his first two preseason games while failing to throw a touchdown pass. 

Well, he can still chuck touchdown passes, and he and receiver Eric Decker look like they have been playing together for 10 seasons. 

Broncos Will Finish 10-6

Denver has a rough schedule, but that won't keep them from reaching 10 wins. 

Despite losing running QB Tim Tebow, the Broncos are still set to have a strong ground game. Their offensive line proved they were up to the task with a strong performance against the 49ers, and the Broncos have a talented and deep group of running backs. 

As I already pointed out, they are also going to have a Pro Bowl QB leading the way for them this season, and Peyton Manning with a strong running game is going to be an unstoppable combination. 

Defensively, this team is not elite, but they have enough playmakers to create some game-changing plays. 

As long as the Broncos aren't decimated by injuries, or suffer just one and have it be Manning, they will go to the playoffs with a 10-6 record.