49ers vs. Chargers Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 2 Odds, Prediction
These two squads had a joint practice on Tuesday, and both coaches have already said that their starting quarterbacks will take the field at some point in this one. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed that QB Justin Herbert will play at least one series, while 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that there’s “a good chance” Brock Purdy will take snaps.
Although this is the preseason, it marks the first time Harbaugh will face his old team in any capacity, as he went 44-19-1 in four seasons as the 49ers head coach. Additionally, LA’s newly hired offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, spent five seasons with Shanahan in San Francisco, serving as the OC in 2021. I’m sure both coaching staffs will leave any relationships they have as soon as the players take the field, but it does add to what should be a great preseason matchup. I’ve looked at both squads and have one best bet, so let’s dive into my 49ers vs. Chargers preseason preview.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
These two squads had two varying results in the first week of the preseason, as the Chargers grabbed a 27-7 win over the Houston Texans, while the 49ers stalled in a 19-13 defeat to the Tennessee Titans. However, oddsmakers have installed San Francisco as slight -130 favourites on the money line, while Los Angeles is a +110 underdog. The Niners are -1.5 on the spread with -110 odds, and the Over/Under sits at 38.5.
Although we started the season with a 63-point result in the Hall of Fame Game, offences stalled last week. Only five of last week’s 16 contests featured more than 38 points, as defences ruled the day. Although we could see more first-team players this week, I tend to believe that last week’s trend will ring true this week too.
San Francisco 49ers
Health has been at the forefront of San Francisco’s struggles the past few seasons, and early signs say it could be an issue once again. Although Shanahan said Purdy will likely play, star running back Christian McCaffrey will most likely not take the field. We should see plenty of rookie RB Kaelon Black, who returned to practice on Tuesday after missing two and a half weeks of action due to an adductor injury. The rookie caught an eight-yard TD pass from backup QB Adrian Martinez in practice, and Purdy was impressed by the youngster, stating he was “running pretty hard” in his first practice back.
WR Deebo Samuel, who had a great practice against Chargers CB Cam Hart, is expected to suit up on Thursday, which will be important in an already depleted receiver group. WR Ricky Pearsall is already out for the season due to a PCL injury, and TE George Kittle is still recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon suffered during the playoffs last year. Shanahan has said Purdy will play, but I’m not sold we’ll see every 49ers starter.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers had a much different result in their first preseason contest, and I expect a fiery team to take the field on Thursday night. Although it’s the preseason, I expect Harbaugh to treat this almost like a regular-season contest given his and McDaniel’s ties to San Francisco. Obviously the starters won’t play the entire game, but I could see them playing multiple series. Additionally, they had a great joint practice on Tuesday highlighted by second-year RB Omarion Hampton ripping through Chargers defenders.
Herbert said after practice that Hampton is “an incredible athlete” and “an incredible competitor”, and he’s not the only RB turning heads at practice. Keaton Mitchell added multiple explosive runs alongside him, and LA also has Kimani Vidal, so the RB room is a major strength. Elsewhere, 49ers Deommodore Lenoir and rookie cornerback Ephesians Prysock were beat on deep balls at Tuesday’s practice, and Herbert looked ready to roll.
Preseason Prediction: Who Will Win 49ers vs. Chargers?
This feels like two teams with different goals this preseason, and even if both starters play, I won’t be surprised if Harbaugh plays his guys more. Additionally, LA looked like the better squad in Tuesday’s joint practice, and Harbaugh will want to continue to work out any kinks in McDaniel’s new offence. Expect a low-scoring affair, but give me LA to grab the win.
Final Score Prediction: 49ers 13 | Chargers 17