San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers 2026 Preseason Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Time: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT

Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

TV: NFL Network / CBS2 Los Angeles / KPIX Bay Area

Tickets: As low as $19

Betting Line: San Francisco 49ers -1.5*

Over/Under: 38.5 Points

Betting note: The line supplied for this preview is San Francisco -1.5. As of August 18, some sportsbooks had moved the game through pick’em and were listing the Chargers around -1.5. Verify the current spread before wagering.

The San Francisco 49ers travel to SoFi Stadium Thursday night for a Preseason Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in a game that should provide considerably more star power than either team’s preseason opener.

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh has confirmed that Justin Herbert will start and that Los Angeles’ regular starters are expected to play approximately one series. It will be Herbert’s first live game action in Mike McDaniel’s new offense before Trey Lance and DJ Uiagalelei take over the quarterback duties.

San Francisco could counter with Brock Purdy.

Kyle Shanahan rested most of his established players during the 49ers’ 19-13 preseason-opening loss to Tennessee, but said after Tuesday’s joint practice that several starters are expected to play against Los Angeles. Asked specifically about Purdy, Shanahan said there was a “good chance” his starting quarterback would participate.

That potentially gives Thursday night’s opening quarter a legitimate regular-season feel.

Purdy could face the Chargers’ first-team defense.

Herbert will operate against San Francisco’s top defenders.

Then the matchup turns over to two experienced backup quarterbacks—Mac Jones for San Francisco and former 49ers quarterback Trey Lance for Los Angeles—before the deeper roster evaluations begin.

The Chargers enter 1-0 in the preseason after defeating Houston 27-7, while San Francisco is 0-1 after falling 19-13 to Tennessee. Los Angeles’ quarterback depth was particularly impressive in its opener, with Lance throwing for 164 yards and adding 27 rushing yards.

Top Four Prop Bets

Preseason player props are not consistently offered at every sportsbook. Unless your sportsbook lists the exact number below, these should be considered projected betting targets based on expected workload, previous preseason production and current roster circumstances.

Prop Bet #1: Trey Lance Over 119.5 Passing Yards

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Lance Over 119.5 Passing Yards

• 164 Yards in Opener
• Herbert Playing One Series
• Extended Backup Reps

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Trey Lance may provide the best combination of talent and expected playing time in Thursday night’s game.

Herbert will start, but Harbaugh has already established that the Chargers’ first-team offense is expected to play only one series. After that, Los Angeles turns the game over to its backups.

Lance is No. 2 behind Herbert, with Uiagalelei third on the depth chart.

The former San Francisco first-round pick was productive in the preseason opener against Houston.

Lance completed 12 of 20 passes for 164 yards while also rushing for 27 yards. He controlled the Chargers for six offensive possessions before Uiagalelei finished the game.

That workload makes another passing-yard over attractive.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Lance should receive considerably more playing time than Herbert.

Even if Harbaugh reduces his workload from the opener, Lance could still receive multiple second-quarter and third-quarter possessions.

The Chargers also have plenty of young receivers who need evaluations, meaning Los Angeles has incentive to throw rather than simply spend the second half handing off.

Lance’s mobility is another advantage.

His ability to escape pressure extends plays and gives receivers additional time to uncover.

San Francisco is also dealing with injuries throughout its defensive roster, including Nick Bosa being managed because of knee irritation.

Why the Under Could Hit

Uiagalelei also needs snaps.

Los Angeles saw enough from Lance during the opener to know he can operate the offense, while Uiagalelei remains a developmental player who needs every available preseason repetition.

If Herbert gets one series, Lance gets only a quarter and Uiagalelei receives most of the second half, 120 yards could become difficult.

San Francisco’s defensive front also showed flashes against Tennessee despite resting several established players.

Still, Lance’s preseason track record makes the over appealing.

Projected Bet: Trey Lance Over 119.5 Passing Yards

Prop Bet #2: Mac Jones Over 109.5 Passing Yards

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Jones Over 109.5 Passing Yards

• Experienced QB2
• Rourke Injury
• Extended Middle-Game Opportunity

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Mac Jones could receive a substantial workload Thursday because San Francisco’s quarterback room is dealing with an important injury.

Kurtis Rourke started the preseason opener and played extremely well, completing 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards before leaving with a rib injury. Rourke has remained sidelined in subsequent practices, including Tuesday’s joint session with Los Angeles.

That potentially concentrates San Francisco’s remaining quarterback snaps among Purdy, Jones and Adrian Martinez.

Purdy, if he plays, probably won’t stay on the field long.

That creates an excellent opportunity for Jones.

San Francisco’s official depth chart lists Purdy first, Jones second, Rourke third and Martinez fourth.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Jones is not a traditional unproven preseason backup.

He started eight games for San Francisco during the 2025 season and finished with 2,151 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.

He knows Shanahan’s system.

He can process NFL defenses.

He has established chemistry with San Francisco’s receivers.

And Rourke’s injury should create additional opportunities.

Jones also connected with rookie De’Zhaun Stribling for an impressive red-zone touchdown during Tuesday’s joint practice.

If Jones receives roughly a quarter and a half, reaching 110 yards is realistic.

Why the Under Could Hit

Shanahan may want extensive work from Martinez after Rourke’s injury.

Martinez completed 16 of 30 passes for 159 yards after replacing Rourke against Tennessee.

San Francisco therefore knows Martinez can handle a large preseason workload.

Purdy could also play longer than expected if Shanahan wants his starting offense to experience multiple possessions.

Those factors create workload uncertainty.

Still, Jones’ experience makes him a strong target if his sportsbook line remains around 110 yards.

Projected Bet: Mac Jones Over 109.5 Passing Yards

Prop Bet #3: De’Zhaun Stribling Over 39.5 Receiving Yards

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Stribling Over 39.5 Receiving Yards

• 63 Yards in Debut
• Seven Receptions
• Red-Zone Chemistry

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–

De’Zhaun Stribling has quickly become one of San Francisco’s biggest preseason stories.

The second-round rookie led all players in the 49ers-Titans opener with seven receptions for 63 yards.

He didn’t slow down during Tuesday’s joint practice.

Stribling caught one red-zone touchdown from Purdy before making another contested touchdown catch from Jones.

That combination of production and quarterback chemistry makes him an excellent candidate to exceed a projected 39.5-yard receiving total.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Volume.

San Francisco clearly wants to evaluate Stribling.

He was targeted repeatedly against Tennessee and converted those opportunities into seven receptions.

He is also producing with multiple quarterbacks.

That matters in preseason football.

Some receivers develop chemistry with one specific quarterback and disappear after substitutions begin.

Stribling has already caught touchdowns from both Purdy and Jones during competitive practice work.

His 63-yard debut also means he could exceed 39.5 even with slightly reduced playing time.

Why the Under Could Hit

His success may actually reduce his workload.

Shanahan has already seen Stribling perform against Tennessee and against the Chargers during joint practice.

If the rookie is establishing himself as an important part of the regular-season receiver rotation, San Francisco may decide there is little reason to expose him deep into the second half.

The potential return of more established 49ers offensive players could also reduce his early target share.

But Stribling has been too productive to ignore.

Projected Bet: De’Zhaun Stribling Over 39.5 Receiving Yards

Prop Bet #4: Game Total Over 38.5 Points

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Over 38.5 Points

• Experienced QB Depth
• Herbert and Purdy Could Play
• Chargers Scored 27 in Opener

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The 38.5-point total is significantly higher than some preseason games but still appears reachable.

The primary reason is quarterback quality.

Herbert will start for Los Angeles.

Purdy has a good chance to play for San Francisco.

Then the game transitions to Jones and Lance.

Those are four quarterbacks with significant NFL starting experience.

Even the deeper options have shown they can produce.

Uiagalelei threw a touchdown and helped Los Angeles pull away from Houston in the preseason opener, while Martinez threw for 159 yards after replacing the injured Rourke against Tennessee.

Why the Over Is a Good Bet

Los Angeles scored 27 points in its preseason opener without Herbert playing.

Now Herbert receives one series.

Lance already demonstrated he can move the offense.

Uiagalelei finished scoring drives.

San Francisco also has considerably more quarterback stability than many preseason teams.

If Purdy plays one productive opening series and Jones follows with multiple scoring possessions, the 49ers could reach 20 points.

Something like 23-20 gets comfortably over.

The Chargers’ joint-practice offense also had major red-zone success Tuesday. Herbert connected on multiple touchdowns, including scores to Ladd McConkey, while Omarion Hampton powered into the end zone on the ground.

Why the Under Could Hit

Both starting quarterbacks should have limited workloads.

Herbert is scheduled for one series, and Purdy’s participation hasn’t even been formally guaranteed.

The final quarter could also feature Martinez and Uiagalelei operating behind reserve offensive lines.

Penalties, sacks and failed fourth-down attempts frequently turn promising preseason drives into empty possessions.

Both defenses also had success during Tuesday’s joint practice.

The Chargers stopped San Francisco’s first- and second-team offenses during the closing two-minute period.

Still, the overall quarterback talent is better than the average preseason matchup.

Bet: Over 38.5 Points

The Matchup Context: Both Teams Increase the Intensity

Preseason Week 2 should look significantly different for San Francisco.

The 49ers rested most of their established players against Tennessee.

Shanahan now expects several starters to participate against Los Angeles.

That could include Purdy.

It could also mean more meaningful work for portions of San Francisco’s starting offensive line, receivers and defense.

The objective isn’t simply winning.

The 49ers want their regular-season personnel to experience game-speed substitutions, communication and tackling before September.

Los Angeles has already established its own progression.

Harbaugh’s plan is simple.

One series for the starters against San Francisco.

Two series for the starters in the preseason finale against the Rams.

Thursday therefore becomes the first step in the Chargers’ dress-rehearsal process.

Justin Herbert Gets His First Look at Mike McDaniel’s Offense

One series might not sound significant.

For Herbert, it is.

Thursday will be his first live game experience operating Mike McDaniel’s offense.

Los Angeles spent the offseason installing new terminology, concepts and timing. Herbert has practiced it repeatedly, but game conditions add another layer.

Crowd noise.

Live tackling.

Actual substitutions.

Real pass rush.

Harbaugh specifically emphasized the importance of getting Herbert and new center Tyler Biadasz through the complete game operation before the regular season.

The Chargers don’t need Herbert to throw a touchdown.

They need efficiency.

Get the play communicated.

Break the huddle correctly.

Handle the protection.

Complete the routine pass.

Avoid the negative play.

If that produces a touchdown, even better.

Herbert and McConkey Look Dangerous

Tuesday’s joint practice showed how dangerous Los Angeles’ starting passing game can become.

Herbert and Ladd McConkey repeatedly connected during red-zone drills.

One touchdown came after Herbert rolled left before throwing back across his body to McConkey between defenders. He later found McConkey for another short touchdown.

That chemistry is important in McDaniel’s offense.

Timing and spacing are essential.

Herbert possesses one of the strongest arms in football, but Los Angeles doesn’t need every completion to travel 30 yards.

Quick throws to McConkey can turn into explosive gains after the catch.

The 49ers saw that threat firsthand Tuesday.

They will see it again Thursday—although probably for only one series.

Omarion Hampton Gives Los Angeles Another Weapon

The passing game wasn’t the only thing working against San Francisco during the joint practice.

Omarion Hampton consistently ran with physicality.

The second-year running back powered through San Francisco’s defense during team drills and scored from four yards out during red-zone work behind strong blocking from Joe Alt.

Hampton sits atop the Chargers’ current running back depth chart, ahead of Keaton Mitchell, Kimani Vidal and the other reserve backs.

His role Thursday should be limited along with the other starters.

But his presence matters.

A successful running game forces San Francisco to respect play action during Herbert’s opening possession.

After Hampton exits, Mitchell becomes another player worth monitoring. He produced multiple explosive runs during Tuesday’s practice.

Could Brock Purdy Make His Preseason Debut?

San Francisco’s biggest unanswered question involves Purdy.

Shanahan hasn’t officially guaranteed that his quarterback will play.

But after Tuesday’s joint practice, he said there was a good chance Purdy would be among the starters who see action Thursday.

That would immediately make the opening quarter more interesting.

Purdy and San Francisco’s offense started Tuesday’s joint practice well.

The quarterback completed seven of his first nine attempts during the opening 11-on-11 period and connected with several different receivers.

The finish wasn’t as strong.

Los Angeles’ defense stopped the 49ers during the closing two-minute drill, denying four consecutive passes after San Francisco reached the red zone.

Purdy acknowledged afterward that the offense’s fundamentals were inconsistent.

Thursday gives San Francisco an immediate opportunity to correct those problems.

Mac Jones Gives San Francisco an Advantage

Regardless of whether Purdy plays, San Francisco should feel confident about its No. 2 quarterback.

Jones enters his second season with the 49ers after performing well whenever injuries forced him into the lineup during 2025.

He threw for 2,151 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, finishing with a 97.4 passer rating.

That is unusually strong experience for a preseason backup.

Jones should be comfortable operating Shanahan’s offense against Los Angeles’ second-team defense.

He also has the benefit of working with Stribling, one of the hottest young players in San Francisco’s camp.

Their red-zone touchdown Tuesday demonstrated that connection.

If Rourke remains unavailable, Jones could become the most important 49ers quarterback of the night.

Kurtis Rourke’s Injury Changes the Rotation

Rourke looked excellent against Tennessee.

The rookie completed 12 of 14 attempts for 101 yards and led San Francisco on a 68-yard touchdown drive.

Then he suffered a rib injury.

Rourke has not returned to practice and remained sidelined Tuesday.

That is unfortunate for a quarterback who desperately needs preseason repetitions, but it also creates additional work for Jones and Martinez.

Martinez handled the majority of San Francisco’s remaining snaps against Tennessee and finished with 159 passing yards while adding a 10-yard scramble.

His mobility gives San Francisco another option late in the game.

That could be important against Los Angeles’ third-team defense.

De’Zhaun Stribling Is Becoming a Major Story

Few 49ers improved their stock more in Preseason Week 1 than Stribling.

Seven catches.

63 yards.

Game-high receiving production.

Then came Tuesday.

Touchdown from Purdy.

Touchdown from Jones.

Praise from Shanahan.

San Francisco selected Stribling with the No. 33 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

He isn’t playing like someone overwhelmed by NFL competition.

His size and ability to win contested catches are translating quickly.

The question now is how long San Francisco keeps playing him.

Another strong performance could effectively end his status as a preseason curiosity and establish him as a legitimate piece of the regular-season passing offense.

Kaelon Black Makes His Preseason Debut

Another 49ers rookie could receive his first live NFL action Thursday.

Running back Kaelon Black returned to team work Tuesday after missing time with an adductor injury.

He immediately showed burst.

Black found running lanes during team periods, received goal-line opportunities and scored during red-zone work. Shanahan said afterward that Black will “most likely” play against the Chargers.

That’s an important opportunity.

Christian McCaffrey continues to be managed carefully and did not participate in Tuesday’s joint practice because of soreness.

San Francisco therefore needs information about the backs behind him.

Can Black break tackles?

Can he protect the quarterback?

Can he catch the football?

Can he contribute on special teams?

Thursday begins that evaluation.

Trey Lance Faces His Former Team Again

Lance’s presence gives the matchup another layer.

San Francisco selected him No. 3 overall in 2021 with expectations that he would become the franchise quarterback.

That future never materialized.

Now he returns to face the 49ers as Herbert’s backup.

The Chargers have become a comfortable landing spot.

Lance played well in the preseason opener, throwing for 164 yards and adding another 27 on the ground.

He enters Thursday as the clear No. 2 quarterback behind Herbert.

Lance’s mobility should create a completely different challenge from Herbert.

San Francisco’s defense must maintain rush-lane discipline.

Generate pressure too aggressively and Lance can escape.

Sit back and he demonstrated against Houston that he can attack through the air.

DJ Uiagalelei Continues His Development

Uiagalelei helped Los Angeles finish its preseason opener in impressive fashion.

He connected with Devonte Ross for a short touchdown in the fourth quarter and was also involved in one of the game’s biggest offensive plays when Amar Johnson turned a short pass into a 55-yard gain.

The Chargers have consistently praised Uiagalelei’s development.

He spent the 2025 season on Los Angeles’ practice squad and returned on a futures contract.

Thursday provides another important opportunity.

Herbert doesn’t need many preseason snaps.

Lance has already played meaningful NFL football.

Uiagalelei needs every rep he can get.

That could make him one of the most important fourth-quarter players.

Players to Watch

Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers: Shanahan says there is a good chance Purdy plays after sitting out the opener. Even one or two series would provide valuable game-speed preparation.

Mac Jones, QB, 49ers: Jones has extensive NFL starting experience and could receive additional work because Rourke remains sidelined with a rib injury.

De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, 49ers: The rookie caught seven passes for 63 yards against Tennessee and followed that with two red-zone touchdowns during Tuesday’s joint practice.

Kaelon Black, RB, 49ers: Black returned from injury Tuesday and immediately flashed explosiveness. Shanahan expects him to play Thursday.

Adrian Martinez, QB, 49ers: Martinez threw for 159 yards in relief of Rourke during the opener and could receive another substantial late-game workload.

Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers: Herbert will start and play one series, giving Los Angeles its first live look at the franchise quarterback in McDaniel’s new offense.

Trey Lance, QB, Chargers: Lance produced 164 passing yards and 27 rushing yards in the opener and should handle a significant portion of the game after Herbert exits.

Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers: Hampton looked powerful during Tuesday’s joint practice and scored during red-zone work.

Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers: McConkey repeatedly connected with Herbert for touchdowns Tuesday and remains one of the most important pieces in McDaniel’s passing attack.

DJ Uiagalelei, QB, Chargers: Uiagalelei helped Los Angeles pull away from Houston and should receive another developmental opportunity after Herbert and Lance.

Keys to the Game

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco’s first priority is getting clean work from whichever starters play.

If Purdy receives a series or two, the 49ers need better finishing than they demonstrated during Tuesday’s joint practice.

San Francisco reached the red zone during its two-minute drill but failed on four consecutive attempts at the end zone.

Second, the 49ers must protect Jones.

Rourke’s rib injury has already reduced San Francisco’s quarterback depth.

There is no reason to expose another quarterback to unnecessary hits.

Third, San Francisco needs to continue evaluating Stribling.

His production has been excellent, but Thursday offers another test against a Chargers secondary that had success during the joint practice.

Fourth, the 49ers need Black and the young running backs to produce.

McCaffrey remains on a cautious workload, making the battle behind him increasingly important.

Defensively, San Francisco must contain Lance.

Rush discipline matters more than simply producing sacks.

Finally, the 49ers need cleaner situational execution.

Their opening preseason loss was close.

One better red-zone possession or one additional defensive stop could have changed the result.

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles’ first priority is giving Herbert a clean series.

The Chargers don’t need statistics.

They need operation.

McDaniel’s offense needs to get from the huddle to the line smoothly, protect Herbert and preferably finish with points.

Second, Los Angeles should continue involving Hampton.

His physical running style was one of the strongest features of Tuesday’s joint practice.

Third, the Chargers need Lance to build on his opener.

His 164 passing yards were encouraging, but the interception showed there is still room for improvement.

Fourth, Los Angeles needs its reserve offensive line to protect Uiagalelei.

Young quarterbacks lose much of their developmental value when every snap immediately becomes a scramble.

Defensively, the Chargers need to make Stribling work.

San Francisco’s rookie has been one of the hottest receivers of the preseason.

Los Angeles cannot allow him to consistently win contested situations.

Finally, the Chargers must continue their strong red-zone defense.

They kept both San Francisco’s first- and second-team offenses out of the end zone during Tuesday’s closing two-minute situations.

Betting Prediction

The spread is the most complicated part of this matchup.

Your original number lists San Francisco -1.5, but by August 18 some markets had flipped to approximately Chargers -1.5.

That is meaningful movement.

And there is a logical reason for it.

Herbert will play.

The Chargers’ starters will get one series.

Lance was excellent statistically in the opener.

Uiagalelei helped finish a 27-7 victory.

San Francisco is dealing with injuries at quarterback and several other positions.

Rourke remains sidelined.

Bosa, McCaffrey and several other key 49ers were unavailable for Tuesday’s joint practice.

San Francisco still has important advantages.

Jones is one of the NFL’s most experienced backup quarterbacks.

Martinez played well enough against Tennessee to keep the offense functional.

Stribling has been outstanding.

And Purdy could play.

But at the original number, Los Angeles +1.5 has appeal.

If the market has already flipped to Chargers -1.5, Los Angeles remains a slight lean, but the value is clearly smaller.

The total presents a different question.

At 38.5, the over needs something resembling a 21-20 game.

That feels attainable.

Los Angeles scored 27 without Herbert in its opener.

Lance and Uiagalelei both moved the offense.

San Francisco produced 260 passing yards between Rourke and Martinez despite scoring only 13 points.

Add even one successful opening drive from Herbert or Purdy and the path to 39-plus becomes much easier.

The Verdict

Prediction: Chargers 23, 49ers 20

Pick at Original Line: Los Angeles Chargers +1.5

Pick if Current Line Is LAC -1.5: Chargers -1.5

Total Pick: Over 38.5

Los Angeles has the slightly better preseason setup.

Herbert will provide the Chargers with one series of first-team quarterback play.

Lance then gives them an experienced backup who already produced 164 passing yards in the opener.

Uiagalelei proved capable of finishing drives against Houston.

That’s a strong three-quarterback structure for an exhibition game.

San Francisco should keep the game extremely competitive.

If Purdy plays, the 49ers immediately gain another early-game weapon.

Jones may be the best pure backup quarterback in the matchup.

Stribling has been one of the preseason’s biggest young-player stories.

Black’s return gives San Francisco another offensive option.

But Rourke’s injury reduces the 49ers’ flexibility, while Los Angeles enters after a 20-point preseason victory and a productive joint practice.

Expect Herbert and Los Angeles’ starting offense to produce one encouraging possession.

Expect Purdy, if he plays, to answer with efficient work.

Then expect Lance and Jones to create most of the scoring during the middle two quarters.

The fourth quarter should become far less predictable, but Uiagalelei’s performance against Houston gives Los Angeles enough reason for confidence.

One late Chargers scoring drive should provide the difference in a competitive, higher-scoring preseason game.

Final Score Prediction: Los Angeles Chargers 23, San Francisco 49ers 20

Best Bet: Over 38.5

Against the Original Spread: Los Angeles Chargers +1.5

Top Player Prop: Trey Lance Over 119.5 Passing Yards

Additional Props: Mac Jones Over 109.5 Passing Yards | De’Zhaun Stribling Over 39.5 Receiving Yards