San Francisco 49ers Week 1 starting quarterback odds: Jimmy Garoppolo remains favored over Trey Lance, who is closing gap

I have no dog in this fight because I am not a fan of the San Francisco 49ers, but after watching their two preseason games it's quite clear to even my untrained eye that the Niners offense is vastly more exciting when rookie No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance is the quarterback over Jimmy Garoppolo. However, coach Kyle Shanahan said after Sunday's second exhibition game that nothing has changed on the depth chart – Jimmy G is on track to start Week 1 in Detroit barring injury. San Francisco is currently +7.5 on the Caesars Sportsbook NFL odds.

Both Jimmy G and Lance got time with the first-team offense in Sunday's 15-10 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers. Garoppolo was 3-for-6 for 15 yards and a pick in his one series and Lance 8-for-14 for 102 yards with two touchdowns and a pick. Lance struggled early – his first three drives ended with a punt, an interception and another punt on a three-and-out -- but he completed seven of his last eight passes for 93 yards, including both TDs. He played six series.

Overall this preseason, Garoppolo is completing 66.7 percent of his passes but only for 41 yards with the one pick and Lance is completing just 46.4 percent but for 230 yards, three TDs and an interception.

Following the Chargers game, Shanahan said nothing has changed in his mind since the start of camp and that he still views Garoppolo as his regular-season starter "I think the situation is pretty similar right now," Shanahan said, while adding "no, I'm not making that announcement," when asked if he was ready to flat out name Jimmy G as his guy.

When will Shanahan know when the rookie is ready to start? Keep in mind that Lance played a scant 17 games with 318 passing attempts in his NCAA career at FCS school North Dakota State.

"When I think he gives us the best chance to win," Shanahan said. "I haven't really defined that for myself either. Just when I think it feels right, when he seems ready, when I think the team seems ready."

San Francisco's bye week, which would be an ideal time to potentially make a switch, arrives in Week 6. After visiting Detroit, the Niners visit Philadelphia, host Green Bay and Seattle and visit Arizona before the bye. If they are 2-3/1-4, expect a change then. If they are 3-2 or better, probably not.

The Niners close the preseason Sunday vs. Las Vegas. 

Via SportsLine oddsmakers: Who will be the 49ers' Week 1 starting quarterback?

• Jimmy Garoppolo -300
• Trey Lance +230

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