Game Day: San Francisco 49ers at Houston Texans

Today, the San Francisco 49ers (0-0) will host the Houston Texans (0-0) at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

This will be the first preseason game for both teams.


The 49ers are coming off of one of the most bizarre offseasons in franchise history. It was an offseason that saw the exile of the team's head coach and much of the coaching staff, the loss of a number of free agents including the team's all-time rushing leader, Frank Gore, and the retirements of players like Patrick Willis and Justin Smith.

The team's 2015 campaign will be led by Jim Tomsula, who enters his first season as an NFL head coach. The former 49ers defensive line coach still has a lot of talent on the roster, but questions at multiple positions like the offensive line and at cornerback has left many critics wondering if the team can have a winning season.

However, an offseason emphasis on tempo and new offensive and defensive schemes being put into place makes the coaching staff and the players optimistic that the 49ers can succeed this season.

Ten players -- Dres Anderson, Nick Bellore, Bruce Ellington, Kendall Hunter, Daniel Kilgore, Aaron Lynch, DeAndre Smelter, Jimmie Ward, Philip Wheeler, and Michael Wilhoite -- will not travel with the team. The 49ers will rest running back Reggie Bush and sit linebacker NaVorro Bowman, Vernon Davis and Darnell Dockett. Starters should see about a quarter of play against the Texans.

Kickoff: Saturday, August 15 at 5 PM PT

Television: The game will be televised on KPIX 5 (Check 506 Sports to see if it is local)

Bay Area Radio: KGO 810 & The Bone 107.7 (Other radio affiliates)

Spanish Radio: KTRB 860

National Radio: ESPN

Preseason Rankings (Offense): N/A

Preseason Rankings (Defense): N/A

Last Regular-Season Meeting: 49ers won 34-3 at home in 2013

All-Time Regular-Season Matchup: 49ers lead series 2-1

Betting: The Texans are 2.5 point favorites.

NFL Fan Picks: 58% pick the 49ers to win according to Yahoo! Sports

Follow Game Online: NFL.com's Game Center

Discuss: Niner Talk forum

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Poll

• Which new face are you most excited to see play?
• Torrey Smith
  31%
• Jarryd Hayne
  22%
• DeAndrew White
  21%
• Eli Harold
  11%
• Arik Armstead
  9%
• Jaquiski Tartt
  3%
• Jerome Simpson
  1%
• Other
  1%
• Shareece Wright
  0%
• 211 votes