49ers vs Chargers Prediction 8/20/2026 Picks

In this article we will formulate a 49ers vs Chargers prediction for this NFL game on Thursday, August 20th at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this preseason matchup.

San Francisco 49ers Betting Preview

The San Francisco 49ers are 0-1 this preseason after they lost to the Titans by a score of 19-13 last week. San Francisco trailed 13-7 at halftime and while they played solid defense in the second half, they only managed two field goals in the loss. The 49ers out gained Tennessee by a total of 322-279, went 9-19 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at zero in the game. Adrian Martinez threw for 159 yards, while Kurtis Rourke threw for 101 yards, with neither throwing a touchdown or interception. Sincere McCormick rushed 10 times for 38 yards, while De’Zhaun Stribling caught seven passes for 63 yards in the loss. 

Last season, San Francisco went 2-1 in the preseason, which was tied for first in the NFC West with the Rams and Cardinals. The 49ers lost to the Broncos by a score of 30-9, defeated the Raiders 22-19, and defeated the Chargers 30-23 in their three preseason games. The 49ers will play their starters for at least two series, so we will see Brock Purdy at quarterback. Once Purdy exits the game, we will see Mac Jones and Adrian Martinez under center. 

Los Angeles Chargers Betting Preview

The Los Angeles Chargers are 1-0 this preseason after they defeated the Texans by a score of 27-7 in their first game. Los Angeles led 10-7 at halftime and they outscored Houston 17-0 in the second half for the easy win. The Chargers out gained the Texans by a total of 379-209, went 6-12 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-1 in the game. Trey Lance threw for 164 yards and one interception, while DJ Uiagalelei threw for 120 yards and one touchdown. Greg Desrosiers Jr rushed 10 times for 27 yards, while Amar Johnson caught two passes for 68 yards in the game. 

Last year, Los Angeles went 2-2 in the preseason, which was second in the AFC West. The Chargers defeated the Lions 34-7, defeated the Saints 27-13, lost to the Rams 23-22, and lost to the 49ers 30-23 in their four preseason games. Los Angeles will play their starters for about one series, so we won’t see very much of Justin Herbert under center. Once Herbert is done for the night, Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei will play, just like their first game. 

49ers vs Chargers Prediction 

San Francisco did a decent job of moving the ball in their first preseason game, but they only scored 13 points in the loss. The 49ers will have a little bit of Purdy at quarterback, but we should see a healthy amount of reps for Mac Jones. Los Angeles blew out Houston in their first game and both Lance and DJ were solid at the quarterback spot. I think we could see a higher scoring game here, as I like both quarterback rooms, so I will take the over in this one.

David Racey's Pick: Over 38.5