Sunday Night Football is back (sort of) with this week’s preseason game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers are hosting the game, but it’s the 49ers who are 5.5-point road favorites. There is also an over/under of 34 points for this all-California affair.
The 49ers lost their first NFL preseason game of 2021 in a rematch of the Super Bowl from two seasons ago. San Francisco took a late lead with mostly backups in the game but couldn’t get their defensive backups to finish the game. The 49ers lost 19-16 despite out-gaining the Kansas City Chiefs by well over 100 yards.
Meanwhile, the Chargers won their first preseason game, beating the Los Angeles Rams 13-6 while playing as the “road” team in their own stadium, which they share with the Rams. It was an ugly game that saw each team score one touchdown, with the Chargers prevailing on a pair of field goals. This week will be their first true home game of the preseason with new head coach Brandon Staley.
Time to Chase
Justin Herbert was notably absent from last week’s game but should see a little action this week. However, backup Chase Daniel will likely get most of the reps against the 49ers. In addition to being a veteran backup, Daniel had a solid outing against the Rams, while third-stringer Easton Stick also looked sharp and should give the Los Angeles Chargers a decent option in the fourth quarter of this week’s game.
It’s on the defensive side of the ball where the Chargers will be most happy after last week’s game. That’s not surprising since Staley was facing the offense he faced all last season in practice as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. Nevertheless, the LA defense did a fine job of preventing any big plays from the Rams’ backups.
Lance Gets His Chance
For the San Francisco 49ers, this week’s preseason game could be an important game in the competition between Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. The rookie from North Dakota State made one highlight-reel throw last week, although he finished five for 14 and was sacked four times. This week, Garoppolo should get more of an opportunity to play after attempting just three passes last week, and he should be motivated to hold onto his job.
On the other side of the ball, the San Francisco defense looked solid last week until the reserves gave up a late touchdown. The 49ers should get off to a good start with most of their starters in the game. But even San Francisco’s backups, especially the defensive line, have enough talent to hold their own deep into a preseason game.
Something on the Line
The competition between Garoppolo and Lance should help the 49ers play their best in this game, at least offensively. In a game that will likely be dominated by backups, the Chargers don’t yet have the defensive depth to handle two quarterbacks who will play like they have something to prove. Bet on the 49ers to win and cover because this game means more to them.
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