49ers vs. Chargers Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest NFL Preseason Odds for Thursday, August 20th
The San Francisco 49ers will visit the Los Angeles Chargers at 10 PM ET on Thursday, August 20, at SoFi Stadium in their second preseason game. Can San Francisco convert a stronger lineup and deeper quarterback rotation into a victory, or will the Chargers build on an impressive preseason opener? Check out this San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers prediction and best bet for August 20.
Peter Alexis - August 20, 2026, 7:30 PM EDT
4 Minute Read49ers vs. Chargers Prediction: Will Brock Purdy Lift Niners on Thursday Night in Preseason Debut?
San Francisco is a slight 1.5-point road favorite at -102, with Los Angeles +1.5 (-118). The 49ers are -118 on the moneyline, the Chargers are -102, and the total is 38.5. NFL Network will carry the game nationally from SoFi Stadium.
Both teams reached the playoffs last season. San Francisco went 12-5, beat Philadelphia 23-19 on the road in the Wild Card round and then saw its season end with a 41-6 loss at Seattle in the divisional round. Los Angeles finished 11-6 before an excellent regular season ended abruptly in a 16-3 Wild Card loss at New England.
49ers vs. Chargers Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: Thursday, August 20th, 2026
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- How to Watch: NFL Network
49ers vs. Chargers Odds
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49ers vs. Chargers Prediction
The 49ers rested Brock Purdy, Mac Jones and most of their established starters in last week's 19-13 loss to Tennessee. Kurtis Rourke took advantage of the opportunity, completing 12 of 14 passes for 101 yards before leaving with a rib injury, while Adrian Martinez finished 16 of 30 for 159 yards. San Francisco still produced 322 total yards and 22 first downs but repeatedly failed to finish drives.
Thursday should look significantly different. Kyle Shanahan has said a number of starters are expected to play after sitting the opener, with Purdy positioned to receive his first preseason action. Several stars remain limited or unavailable, including George Kittle, while Christian McCaffrey has been handled cautiously, but San Francisco should still field a much more recognizable first unit than it did against Tennessee.
The quarterback depth is also more appealing this week. Mac Jones did not play in the opener despite entering the season firmly behind Purdy as QB2, and San Francisco now has reason to give him meaningful work after Rourke's rib issue. Jones started nine games during the 2025 season when Purdy dealt with injuries, so the 49ers can transition from their starter to an experienced NFL backup rather than immediately handing the offense to developmental players.
Los Angeles was one of the most impressive teams in the opening week, beating Houston 27-7 despite sitting Justin Herbert and most of its starters. Trey Lance threw for 164 yards, D.J. Uiagalelei added 120 yards and a touchdown, and Amar Johnson scored twice as the Chargers controlled the second half.
Jim Harbaugh plans to give Herbert and the starting offense only the opening drive Thursday before turning the game back over to the reserves. Lance remains ahead of Uiagalelei on the unofficial depth chart, but their competition for the backup job should create plenty of meaningful snaps after Herbert exits. The Chargers are also dealing with a major offensive-line concern after starting center Tyler Biadasz suffered what is expected to be a season-ending injury during the joint practice.
Los Angeles clearly has enough quarterback depth to make this competitive, especially after what Lance and Uiagalelei did last week. The difference is that San Francisco should get a much stronger first-unit contribution than it received against Tennessee, then has Jones available to maintain competent quarterback play once Purdy exits. Kaelon Black is also expected to receive substantial work at running back after returning from injury and showing explosiveness in the joint practice.
49ers vs. Chargers Pick
- Pick: 49ers ML (-118) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
The 49ers outgained Tennessee despite sitting nearly every important starter and playing much of the game with third- and fourth-string personnel. With Purdy and several regulars expected to participate this time, plus Jones providing an experienced bridge into the reserve portion of the night, San Francisco has enough of a roster and quarterback-depth edge to simply back the short moneyline rather than worry about a one-point preseason finish.
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