These teams will not meet in the regular season in 2021. San Francisco lost their preseason opener at home against Kansas City last week with a 19-16 score. The Chargers played their stadium brethren, the Los Angeles Rams, and won 13-6.
Another Look at Trey Lance for 49ers
The 49ers are still allegedly Jimmy Garoppolo’s team, but the preseason is all about first-round pick Trey Lance. Garoppolo had one drive against the Chiefs and went 3-for-3 for 26 yards before heading to the sidelines. Lance took over and went 5-for-14 for 128 yards with a touchdown.
Lance was sacked four times and had a rough first drive. The second drive was one play as Lance completed an 80-yard catch and run to Trent Sheffield for a touchdown. An eight-play drive followed as Lance got the 49ers in position for a go-ahead field goal.
The 49ers cut third-stringer Josh Rosen this week and kept Nate Sudfeld on the roster. This weekend, Lance should get a good look against the Chargers, even if Garoppolo plays more than one drive.
Tight end George Kittle and running back Raheem Mostert sat out in week one and could be back in the lineup against the Chargers. Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel each played a drive as wide receivers. Jamycal Hasty and rookie Trey Sermon combined for 19 carries and 89 yards, and a Hasty touchdown.
Starters Sit for Chargers
Before the preseason began, new head coach Brandon Staley announced that quarterback Justin Herbert and a majority of the Chargers starters would sit for the preseason. Keeping their young quarterback healthy is the top priority, as is getting Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen through August at 100 percent.
With the starters sitting against the Rams last week, veteran quarterback Chase Daniel went 15-of-24 for 104 yards. Third-stringer Easton Stick was 7-for-7 for 63 yards, and that duo will get the work against the 49ers on Sunday.
Rookie running back Larry Rountree III led the Chargers with 63 yards in the opener, and Joshua Kelly also got eight carries. Darius Bradwell scored the Chargers’ only touchdown of the game with a one-yard run.
Battling for positions at the wide receiver spot, Joshua Palmer and Jason Moore had the best debuts in week one. Palmer caught six passes for 36 yards while Moore grabbed three for 31 yards.
Betting Analysis
- 49ers -5.5 (-110) | -265 Moneyline
- Chargers +5.5 (-110) | +205 Moneyline
- Total 34 points | Over -110 | Under -110
With the Chargers keeping their starters out of the preseason, this game offers one of the larger lines, especially for a road team, in the preseason. Daniel wasn’t very effective in the opener, and the 49ers will have a nice combination of Garoppolo. Neither team reached 20 points in week one and likely won’t this week either, but the 49ers have the talent advantage.
FREE PICK: 49ers -5.5 (-110)
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