San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers Betting Preview

After a couple of joint practices, the San Francisco 49ers (0-1) will square off with the Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) in the second week of the preseason schedule. The Chargers will host this one at SoFi Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 pm ET.

The 49ers suffered a loss in their opener, 19-16, to the Kansas City Chiefs. In the loss, rookie Trey Lance threw for 128 yards and a touchdown after incumbent Jimmy Garoppolo went three for three for 26 yards. JaMycal Hasty also had a touchdown on the ground to go along with 63 yards.ž

The Chargers were able to take their opener 13-6 over the Los Angeles Rams. Chase Daniels and Easton Stick combined for 167 yards through the air while Larry Rountree III rushed eight times for 63 yards.

The 49ers are the favorites despite playing on the road. They are -230 to win while the Chargers’ moneyline sits at +190. The spread features Los Angeles +5.5 (-110), and the over/under for total points is 34 (-110).

By The Numbers

Last season, both of these teams were in the bottom half in scoring. The Chargers ranked 18th, averaging 24 points per game. The 49ers ranked 21st, averaging 23.5.

Defensively, it was the 49ers who held the edge. They ranked 17th in scoring defense, holding opponents to an average of 24.4 points per game. The Chargers ranked 23rd allowing 26.6 points.

Current Season Odds

The Chargers currently have the second-best odds of winning the AFC West at +490 but will have their hands full with the Chiefs in their division. The 49ers are the favorites to win the NFC West at +190.

In terms of winning the Super Bowl, the 49ers are currently tied for the fifth-best odds at +1400. The Chargers are +3300 to win it all.

Does San Francisco Have a Quarterback Controversy?

The 49ers have some tough decisions to make under center. On the one hand, they have a very expensive quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo. On the other hand, they have a rookie who may very well be the better of the two options.

It is fair to say that Garoppolo’s tenure thus far under center for the 49ers has been disappointing since signing a five-year deal worth over $100 million. Last season, in just six games, he threw for 1,096 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions.

In his last full season, 2019, he threw for 3,978 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. While those numbers are not completely horrific, especially since he is a combined 16-6 over the last two seasons, they still may not be good enough for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations.

Enter Trey Lance. Selected third overall in the draft, the North Dakota State product threw for 2,786 yards, 28 touchdowns, and no interceptions in 2019, his last full season of college football.

While Garoppolo probably has the upper hand for the Week 1 start, he certainly is no lock, meaning these preseason games add some extra weight.

Expect Chargers To Play This One Conservatively

Yes, it appears that after sitting out last week, starting quarterback Justin Herbert will get the green light Sunday. Still, with the Chargers pretty much set under center, don’t expect him to play for too long.

Last season, Herbert threw for 4,336 yards, 31 touchdowns, and just ten interceptions. He also rushed 55 times for 234 yards and another five scores.

Once again, expect Chase Daniel and Easton Stick to get the majority of the time, especially in the second half.

Expect new Chargers’ head coach Brandon Stalely to continue to see what he has as the organization looks to cut down their rosters. He will also see what he has in terms of his rookies, including running back Larry Rountree, who had a great start in the first preseason game.

Take Chargers To Win And Cover

When it comes to preseason football, the teams with less certainty are sometimes the most dangerous.

For the Chargers, they are certain that Justin Herbert is their starter. Aside from getting some work in, the primary goal for Los Angeles is to keep him healthy. As a result, it will be longtime backup Chase Daniels getting the bulk of the work.

For the 49ers, both Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance are out to win the starting quarterback job. With more on the line, expect the 49ers’ offense to show more signs of life throughout this game.

For that reason, take the 49ers to not only win this game but to cover the 5.5-point spread as well.