49ers Vs. Broncos Game Recap: David Akers Outscores Peyton Manning As 49ers Win, 29-24

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 29-24 in an NFL preseason game Sunday afternoon on the strength of placekicker David Akers's left leg.

Akers was in midseason form, nailing five field goals, including two from 40-plus yards out. Three of Akers's successful kicks came in the fourth quarter, in which the 49ers outscored the Broncos 9-0 to stake claim to the victory. Akers outscored Peyton Manning, who threw two touchdown passes for the Broncos, 15-12.

Manning was in midseason form as well, as he completed 10-of-12 passes for 122 yards, and connected with wide receiver Eric Decker for two first-quarter scores. He was replaced by Caleb Hanie near the end of the opening quarter, and Hanie proceeded to throw a pick on his first drive. However, he would redeem himself in the Broncos' final possession before halftime, as he connected with fellow Colorado State alum Joel Dreessen for a five-yard touchdown to put the Broncos up 24-10. Hanie finished the game 8-of-12 for 92 yards.

The 49ers fought back immediately at the start of the second half, as they marched down the field for a four-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in a 26-yard touchdown scamper from running back Anthony Dixon. Akers took over from there, as the Niners put him in position to make some kicks with solid drives led by second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who went 4-for-4 for 80 yards. Meanwhile, the Broncos stalled on offense behind rookie QB Brock Osweiler, who completed just four of nine passes, for 27 yards.