49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction: Who Will Win on August 20, 2026?

49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction: Who Will Win on August 20, 2026?

49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction for August 20, 2026. Get the latest odds, matchup analysis, betting trends, and prediction for Thursday’s game.

49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction

The 49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction for Thursday, August 20, 2026, features the San Francisco 49ers visiting the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. San Francisco enters the matchup at 0-1 in the preseason after a 19-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans, while Los Angeles is 1-0 following a convincing 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans. The current betting line has the 49ers favored by 1.5 points at -108, with the Chargers listed at +1.5 (-112). San Francisco is -125 on the moneyline, while Los Angeles is +105. The total is set at 38.5 points, with both the over and under priced at -110. For this 49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction, the recommended wager is Over 38.5.

49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction: Who Is Favored?

San Francisco is the slight favorite in this 49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction, with the 49ers laying 1.5 points on the road. The moneyline also gives San Francisco the advantage at -125, compared with +105 for Los Angeles.

However, preseason betting requires a different approach than regular-season NFL handicapping. Coaches are managing playing time, evaluating younger players and determining which combinations work best before the regular season begins. As a result, quarterback rotations, expected starter participation and depth-chart battles can have a major impact on the final result.

That is particularly important in this matchup because both teams have already indicated how they plan to distribute quarterback snaps. San Francisco is expected to use Brock Purdy for at least two series before turning to Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez. Los Angeles, meanwhile, is expected to give Justin Herbert approximately one series before Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei take over.

That difference in quarterback usage makes the total particularly interesting.

What Is the 49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction?

The best bet in this matchup is Over 38.5 points. San Francisco moved the football effectively in its preseason opener despite scoring only 13 points, while Los Angeles produced 27 points and generated 379 total yards against Houston. With multiple quarterbacks expected to receive meaningful playing time on both sides, the matchup has a strong chance to exceed the relatively modest 38.5-point total.

49ers vs Chargers Betting Odds

Here are the current odds provided for Thursday’s preseason matchup:

San Francisco being favored by only 1.5 points indicates that the sportsbook expects a competitive game. The moneyline also reflects a relatively narrow difference between the two teams.

The more attractive angle, however, is the total. A number of 38.5 points does not require an exceptionally high-scoring preseason game to cash the over. A final score such as 24-20 would be enough to get there, while 27-17 would also comfortably clear the number.

The quarterback rotations provide another reason to favor the over. Both teams have several quarterbacks expected to play, and preseason games often become more favorable for offense as defensive depth takes over.

San Francisco 49ers Betting Preview

The 49ers enter this matchup with an 0-1 preseason record following a 19-13 defeat against Tennessee. San Francisco was competitive throughout the game but struggled to finish drives and ultimately scored only 13 points.

The 49ers trailed 13-7 at halftime. Their defense improved after the break, but the offense could only produce two field goals in the second half.

Despite the loss, San Francisco moved the ball reasonably well. The 49ers finished with 322 total yards compared with 279 for Tennessee. They also converted 9 of 19 third-down attempts, demonstrating that the offense was able to sustain drives.

The biggest problem was converting those drives into touchdowns.

Adrian Martinez completed his opportunities for 159 passing yards, while Kurtis Rourke added 101 passing yards. Neither quarterback threw a touchdown or an interception.

Sincere McCormick was the team’s leading rusher, carrying the ball 10 times for 38 yards. De’Zhaun Stribling provided a productive receiving performance, catching seven passes for 63 yards.

Those numbers suggest that San Francisco’s offense was capable of generating yardage but lacked the finishing ability necessary to produce a big scoring total.

Brock Purdy Gives San Francisco a Different Offensive Element

One of the most important developments for this 49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction is the expected appearance of Brock Purdy.

Purdy is expected to play at least two series, which gives San Francisco an opportunity to open the game with its starting quarterback before moving deeper into the roster.

Preseason games can change dramatically when a starting quarterback is on the field, even for a limited number of possessions. Purdy’s presence should give San Francisco’s offense a higher level of continuity and efficiency early in the game.

Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez are then expected to receive opportunities.

That combination gives San Francisco three quarterbacks with experience at the professional level, while also providing the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate the depth chart.

The important point for bettors is that San Francisco should have competent quarterback play throughout much of the game.

San Francisco’s 2025 Preseason Results

The 49ers went 2-1 during last year’s preseason. They lost to Denver 30-9 before defeating the Raiders 22-19 and the Chargers 30-23.

That last result is especially relevant because San Francisco and Los Angeles are meeting again after facing one another during the previous preseason.

The 30-23 San Francisco victory produced 53 combined points, which would have easily surpassed Thursday’s current total of 38.5.

Of course, preseason results from a previous year should not be treated as a direct predictor. Rosters, quarterback rotations and coaching decisions change. Still, the previous meeting provides some context for how these teams have matched up in preseason conditions.

Los Angeles Chargers Betting Preview

The Chargers enter Thursday’s game with a 1-0 preseason record after dominating Houston 27-7.

Los Angeles was already effective in its opening game, but the second half was particularly impressive. The Chargers led 10-7 at halftime before outscoring Houston 17-0 after the break.

The Chargers also won the yardage battle decisively, gaining 379 total yards compared with 209 for Houston.

Los Angeles converted 6 of 12 third downs, although the team did lose the turnover battle 2-1.

The quarterback rotation produced some encouraging results. Trey Lance threw for 164 yards and an interception, while DJ Uiagalelei added 120 passing yards and a touchdown.

Greg Desrosiers Jr. carried the ball 10 times for 27 yards, while Amar Johnson provided a big-play threat with two receptions for 68 yards.

The Chargers’ 27-point performance is one of the biggest reasons the over is attractive in this 49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction.

Justin Herbert Is Expected to Play

Justin Herbert is expected to play approximately one series before leaving the game.

That is a relatively limited workload, but even one series from an established starting quarterback can create opportunities for Los Angeles to establish an early offensive rhythm.

Once Herbert exits, Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei are expected to handle the quarterback duties.

Both quarterbacks saw significant action against Houston, meaning Los Angeles already has some evidence of how the second-unit offense operates.

For the purposes of betting the total, that is encouraging.

The Chargers don’t need Herbert to play an entire half for the offense to contribute to an over. If Herbert can help Los Angeles produce points early and the backups continue moving the ball, San Francisco’s quarterback depth should provide enough opportunities for the game to reach the high 30s or beyond.

Chargers Preseason History

Los Angeles finished last year’s preseason with a 2-2 record.

The Chargers defeated the Lions 34-7 and Saints 27-13 before losing to the Rams 23-22 and the 49ers 30-23.

Three of those four games featured at least 49 combined points.

Again, preseason records and results are not necessarily predictive because playing time and roster priorities vary significantly from game to game. But the historical scoring profile does provide additional context when evaluating a total as low as 38.5.

The Chargers also demonstrated in their first preseason game this year that their offense can produce without needing an enormous contribution from their starting quarterback.

49ers vs Chargers Offensive Comparison

The central argument for the over is that both teams have demonstrated enough offensive capability to reach the required scoring threshold.

San Francisco scored only 13 points in its opener, but its 322 yards and 9-for-19 performance on third down suggest the offense was not completely stagnant.

The issue was finishing drives.

Los Angeles had the opposite result. The Chargers turned 379 yards into 27 points and scored 17 points in the second half alone.

If both offenses perform somewhere between their first-game results, a score in the 20s for each team is realistic.

For example, a 24-21 final score would produce 45 total points. A 23-20 result would produce 43. A 27-17 result would produce 44.

All three scenarios would clear the 38.5-point total.

49ers vs Chargers Quarterback Matchup

Quarterback rotations are one of the most important variables in preseason betting.

San Francisco is expected to use Brock Purdy for at least two series, followed by Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez.

Los Angeles is expected to use Justin Herbert for roughly one series before giving the game to Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei.

That means bettors are not simply betting on the two starting quarterbacks. They are betting on the depth and efficiency of both quarterback rooms.

From that perspective, this matchup is appealing.

Purdy gives San Francisco a strong starting option for the opening possessions. Jones provides another experienced quarterback afterward, while Martinez is expected to receive additional opportunities.

Los Angeles has a similar structure, with Herbert providing the opening spark and Lance and Uiagalelei handling the majority of the remaining snaps.

The quarterback depth on both sides is therefore one of the strongest arguments for expecting offensive production.

49ers vs Chargers Defense

Defense is always difficult to project in the preseason because personnel changes frequently.

Starters may play only a series or two, while younger players and depth pieces can spend most of the night on the field.

That can create more explosive plays, missed assignments and extended drives.

San Francisco’s first preseason game provides some evidence that the defense can limit scoring. The 49ers held Tennessee to 19 points and improved after halftime.

However, Los Angeles demonstrated a much higher offensive ceiling against Houston, producing 27 points and 379 yards.

The Chargers also scored 17 unanswered points in the second half.

If San Francisco’s defensive reserves struggle to replicate the performance of the team’s more experienced players, Los Angeles could generate enough offense to put the total in a favorable position.

Why Bet the Over 38.5?

There are several reasons to consider the over in this 49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction.

First, the total is relatively low. Bettors need 39 combined points to cash the over, meaning neither offense needs to produce an extraordinary performance.

Second, both teams have multiple quarterbacks capable of moving the football.

Third, San Francisco is expected to play Purdy for at least two series, giving the 49ers an opportunity to score early.

Fourth, Los Angeles scored 27 points in its preseason opener and produced 379 yards.

Finally, preseason games often become more offense-friendly once the game moves deeper into the roster.

The key concern is whether the offenses can finish drives. San Francisco struggled in that area against Tennessee, and a similar issue could threaten the over.

Still, the 38.5-point number gives the bettor some room.

49ers vs Chargers Prediction and Best Bet

The best bet for Thursday’s game is Over 38.5 points.

San Francisco’s first preseason game ended with only 32 combined points, but the 49ers generated 322 yards and will add Brock Purdy to the quarterback rotation. That should give the offense a better chance to produce points early.

The Chargers showed considerably more offensive explosiveness in their opener. Los Angeles gained 379 yards and scored 27 points against Houston.

Even though Justin Herbert is expected to play only about one series, Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei should handle the majority of the quarterback workload. Both quarterbacks showed the ability to produce in the Chargers’ opener.

The combination of quarterback depth, preseason defensive rotations and a relatively modest total makes the over the preferred play.

49ers vs Chargers Prediction

Pick: Over 38.5

Prediction: San Francisco 49ers 24, Los Angeles Chargers 21

A 24-21 projection would produce 45 total points, comfortably clearing the posted total of 38.5.

The biggest factor is the expectation that both teams will receive productive quarterback play after their starters leave. San Francisco has Purdy, Jones and Martinez available, while Los Angeles can turn to Lance and Uiagalelei after Herbert’s brief appearance.

If either team gets an early touchdown and the backup offenses continue producing, the game should have a strong chance of surpassing the total.

49ers vs Chargers Prediction: Final Betting Analysis

The 49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction presents an interesting contrast between San Francisco’s 0-1 record and Los Angeles’ 1-0 start. However, preseason records should not be the primary factor when handicapping this game.

The 49ers lost their opener 19-13 but still generated 322 yards and converted nine of 19 third downs. San Francisco also expects to put Brock Purdy on the field for at least two series, followed by Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez.

The Chargers were much more explosive in their first game, beating Houston 27-7 while gaining 379 yards. Herbert is expected to play only one series, but Lance and Uiagalelei should once again receive substantial playing time.

That quarterback depth is critical.

The posted total of 38.5 requires only 39 points to cash the over. Given the expected quarterback rotations and the offensive performances from both teams in their respective preseason openers, that number is attainable.

The strongest argument against the over is San Francisco’s inability to turn its yardage into touchdowns against Tennessee. However, Purdy’s appearance should provide the offense with a more efficient starting point, while the Chargers already demonstrated that their backup quarterbacks can produce points.

For those reasons, the preferred wager is Over 38.5 points.

49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction FAQ

Who is favored in the 49ers vs Chargers preseason game?

The San Francisco 49ers are favored by 1.5 points. San Francisco is listed at -125 on the moneyline, while the Los Angeles Chargers are +105.

What is the 49ers vs Chargers over/under?

The betting total is 38.5 points, with the over and under both listed at -110.

Who are the starting quarterbacks?

Brock Purdy is expected to play at least two series for San Francisco. Justin Herbert is expected to play approximately one series for Los Angeles before the teams turn to their backup quarterbacks.

What is the best bet for 49ers vs Chargers?

The recommended wager is Over 38.5 points.

What is the 49ers vs Chargers score prediction?

The projected final score is 49ers 24, Chargers 21, producing 45 total points.

Where is 49ers vs Chargers being played?

The game will be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

When is 49ers vs Chargers?

The preseason matchup is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 10:00 PM EDT.

What channel is broadcasting 49ers vs Chargers?

The game is scheduled to be televised on NFL Network.

Final Pick

49ers vs Chargers Preseason NFL Prediction: Over 38.5 (-110)

San Francisco’s quarterback rotation should be more productive with Brock Purdy seeing action, while Los Angeles has already shown that its offense can generate points with Lance and Uiagalelei. With 38.5 points required to go over, the combination of offensive depth and preseason defensive rotations makes the Over 38.5 the preferred play.