By: Joe Lami

AP file photo: San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly at 49ers training camp in Kezar Stadium in San Francisco last Wednesday

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—The San Francisco 49ers kick-off their pre-season schedule this Sunday against the Houston Texans. The contest will give everyone a first look at the new Chip Kelly style offense and how the 49ers’ might shape up this season. After a 5-11 season, and more key positional losses for the Niners’, expectations remain extremely low for this team, but a new revival offensive look could be this teams savior.

If however, sparks don’t fly for the red and gold, fans should expect another long and painful season that will affect the pocketbook of Jed York, with an empty $1.2 billion stadium for years to come.

Sunday revives the quarterback battle in Santa Clara as well, Blaine Gabbert has taken the edge and has been named the starter for Sunday. Colin Kaepernick was struggling with pain in his shoulder on Thursday, forcing Kelly to make the decision. Even if the pain in his shoulder, Kaepernick is expected to see some first team snaps.

Many think that Kelly could be the coach that revives Kaepernick’s career, but the one-time NFC champion needs to beat Gabbert, who’s on pace to revive his career after a dreadful start in Jacksonville. This most recent shoulder doesn’t help Kaepernick’s chances either.

Houston is coming off a 9-7 record and an AFC South Championship. In the offseason, Houston went and spent big money for a quarterback, bringing in the backup from the Super Bowl Champion, Denver Broncos.

Brock Osweiler signed a four-year $72 million contract in the offseason, as the Texans hope he can be the answer to the positional troubles they’ve experienced since the team’s inception. If the gamble pays off, Houston has potential at making a deep playoff run, especially the defensive force led by MVP, JJ Watt.

Another exciting player that fans can keep an eye on from Houston is Braxton Miller. The converted quarterback will be vying for a wide receiving spot on the Texans after being drafted in the third round during this year’s draft. The former Buckeye is expected his first NFL action.