Mile High Maniac
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Denver Broncos: Ranking 2018 Games for Difficulty

By Michael Longhofer

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions an NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 18: linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions an NFL preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 18, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Shanahan and Garropolo, Garropolo and Shanahan.

As mentioned above, Shanahan is a favorite of those that don’t believe Vance Joseph will survive as Denver’s head coach.  This game provides an opportunity for the Broncos and Joseph to validate the choice.

Unfortunately, the game is in San Francisco against a team that went on a tear to finish the 2017 season behind trade acquisition Jimmy Garropolo.  The late surge pulled the Niners up to 12th in total offense for the season.  They should be prolific on offense again, provided Garropolo can reproduce his last-5 from 2017.

The Niners struggled on defense last season, ranking 24th in the League but have improved in the offseason.  Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh enters his second season with high expectations.

The Broncos hold a slight edge (7-6) in the all-time, regular season matchup.  The Niners should be able to pull that even against the Broncos.

Niners 24-20

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