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San Francisco (0-1-0) at LA Chargers (1-0-0)
- When: Aug 20 2026, 10:00 PM
- Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
- Where to watch: NFL Network
- Last Meeting: SF 22-16, November 13th, 2022
San Francisco vs LA Chargers Preview & Prediction
Spread: San Francisco -1.0
Moneyline: San Francisco (-115)
Total: 38.5
49ers: The Starters Are Coming
San Francisco enters as a 1-point favorite, and unlike the usual preseason festival of backup quarterbacks and mystery receivers, some recognizable humans are actually playing.
Kyle Shanahan confirmed several starters will see action, which could include Brock Purdy getting his first live snaps of 2026.
Rookie De’Zhaun Stribling is also worth watching after catching 7 passes for 63 yards in Week 1. The first-round pick continued making noise during joint practices and should receive another opportunity to prove he belongs in the rotation.
Chargers: Herbert Gets One Series
Justin Herbert makes his preseason debut, but Jim Harbaugh plans to give the starters exactly one series.
So enjoy it. Blink twice and Herbert might already be wearing a baseball cap.
Los Angeles also has offensive-line concerns. Tyler Biadasz’s injury has pushed Jake Slaughter into the starting center role, while Rashawn Slater has missed practice time.
That isn’t ideal when introducing your franchise quarterback to live preseason pass rushers.
Secondary Needs a Refund
San Francisco’s secondary had a rough joint practice against Herbert.
Ji’Ayir Brown even got introduced to Omarion Hampton the unpleasant way when the Chargers running back powered through him for six yards.
Meanwhile, Renardo Green and Jack Jones remain locked in a battle to start opposite Deommodore Lenoir. Nothing motivates defensive backs quite like knowing every blown coverage could update the depth chart.
LVSB Game Prediction
With both teams giving starters limited work, this game eventually becomes the traditional preseason backup lottery.
San Francisco’s deeper look at selected starters and Stribling’s emergence give the 49ers enough offensive upside to justify laying the tiny 1-point spread.
The total sits at 38.5, and we’re expecting plenty of conservative football once the starters disappear.
Score Prediction
San Francisco 49ers 20, Los Angeles Chargers 16
Herbert gets one series. Bettors get four quarters of stress. Seems fair.
- NFL Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
