2022 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 3

San Francisco 49ers (1-1) at Denver Broncos (1-1)

Sunday, September 25, 8:20PM ET

Well Jimmy Garoppolo is no longer available for any quarterback-needy teams out there. Trey Lance is done for the year with an ankle injury, which means that Garoppolo is back in the driver’s seat for the San Francisco 49ers. Honestly, I think that’s for the best.

Yes, Garoppolo isn’t a superstar but he’s a proven starter who is more than capable of leading the 49ers to wins — he’s done it before. Even though the Denver Broncos have a quality defense and their own exceptional talent under center, I’m giving the 49ers the nod in this Week 3 showdown.

Honestly, I’m just not confident in the Broncos’ offense right now. We’re seeing the Russell Wilson that returned from injury last season and wasn’t himself. Denver is doing everything they can to let him cook, but the chef isn’t showing up. That’s limiting the Broncos’ competitiveness and will continue to do so against the 49ers.

Garoppolo plays well, relying on Deebo Samuel and his bevy of running backs to help him move the ball. It’s not an offensive onslaught by any means, but they produce more than Wilson. That’s all it’ll take to win the game if my understanding is correct.

Prediction: 49ers win 23-17