It’s the final week of the NFL preseason, which means meaningful football is only a couple of weeks away. But for players trying to make the final 53 on Aug. 29, this is one of their few opportunities left to show something.
The big storyline as the Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers take the field at Levi’s Stadium on Friday night will be about how former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance just hasn’t shown enough in his few opportunities.
After being demoted to third-string duties earlier this week, Lance is expected to play, paving the way for a North Dakota State quarterback duel between him and Chargers backup Easton Stick… neither of whom has been a world-beater this preseason.
Find out where my best bets lie in our NFL preseason picks and predictions for Chargers vs. 49ers on Friday, August 25.
Chargers vs 49ers odds
Chargers vs 49ers predictions
After making his preseason debut last week against the Broncos, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to play again, as are the vast majority of San Francisco’s starters.
Purdy went 4 of 5 for 65 yards and led a field goal drive in the win. It was his first action since tearing the UCL in his right elbow in last year’s NFC Championship. Despite the action, Kyle Shanahan said he’ll see the field again.
“No, the starters will play next week,” Shanahan said when asked if Purdy was done for the preseason.
Still, it’s hard to imagine Purdy and the starters will be out there for more than a drive or two.
As for the Los Angeles Chargers, don’t expect to see any of their stars. There’s no way with their injury luck that guys like Justin Herbert, Derwin James Jr., Rashawn Slater, or Joey Bosa will even sniff the field.
That sets this up for a backup bowl between two former Bison with multiple FCS Championship rings where points could be far and few between (can’t you hear that Under 37.5 calling your name).
The 49ers will be platooning Trey Lance and fellow NFL Draft bust Sam Darnold once again, and Brandon Allen could even see the field.
That trio has combined to throw for 496 yards with three touchdowns (one of which should have been intercepted) and two picks this preseason while leading a combined five scoring drives.
Behind a thin second and third offensive line unit — that includes three undrafted rookies, three undrafted second-year players, and two recent Day 3 draft picks — 49ers passers could be under duress all game.
The Chargers will be deploying a front seven with depth and athleticism led by Day 2 rookies Daiyan Henley and Tuli Tuipulotu, both of whom have made splashy plays this preseason.
The Shanahan family’s bread and butter has always been running the football, and the 49ers will surely lean on their ground game (which will help churn that clock).
San Francisco’s backup backs have been unspectacular this preseason with Jordan Mason, Tyrion Davis-Price, and Jeremy McNichols averaging just 3.5 yards per carry after rushing for a combined 128 yards in two games.
On the flip side, the Chargers have mainly played Easton Stick this preseason — he played the entirety of the second preseason game — after sprinkling in TCU hero and seventh-round rookie Max Duggan in the opener.
Chargers fans are probably feeling a little worried at the thought of Herbert going down because Stick hasn’t shown much (35 of 62 for 342 yards with one TD and two INTs).
Outside of some strong reps from third-year undrafted offensive tackle Foster Sarell and fifth-round rookie Jordan McFadden, the Chargers backup offensive line room shouldn’t inspire much confidence.
While the 49ers will play starters on defense, Nick Bosa is still holding out. Luckily for the Under, they have arguably the deepest front seven in football and Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, and Fred Warner will cause all kinds of trouble for Stick.
When the stars come out, defensive coordinator Steve Wilks will still have plenty to play with in former Top-100 picks Drake Jackson, Clelin Ferrell, Javon Kinlaw, Marlon Davidson, and Breeland Speaks.
Even the 49ers’ second and third-string secondary players have seen real NFL playing time. Second-year corner Samuel Womack and rookie third-round safety Ji’Ayir Brown have both had especially nice moments this preseason.
With Lance coming off his demotion, and missing practice Wednesday as trade rumors swirl, he and Stick are poised to have a stomach-churning reunion.
My best bet: Under 37.5 (-110 at bet365)
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