San Francisco’s offense has managed to score just one touchdown in three preseason games, which is exactly how many their defense and special teams have scored. The lack of production is alarming and has the under at 3-0 during the exhibition games.
The 49ers will look to bust out against the Chargers when the teams meet on the NFL Network Thursday night.
ODDS
Playing the final preseason game of 2015 at home, the 49ers opened as a 3-point favorite. San Francisco played the Chargers twice in Levi’s Stadium last season, winning in the preseason and dropping the regular season meeting. The total opened at 37.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Philip Rivers played the first half in Saturday’s game, leaving after cracking his hand on the helmet of an opponent. He’ll likely be watching from the sidelines at Levi’s Stadium, allowing backups Kellen Clemens and Brad Sorensen to get in some work. Rivers doesn’t need any more reps after putting together an efficient preseason. The hand scare is another reason to sit the veteran. Clemens played the first half and Sorensen the second in last year’s final preseason game and the situation is likely to be the same against the 49ers.
While Colin Kaepernick and the first-team offense struggled all preseason to move the football and put up points, the Niners quarterback doesn’t seem too concerned. Kap could use a series or two with his new offensive line, but he isn’t sure if he will play against San Diego. Backup Blaine Gabbert has been solid during his time and should get a tune-up before handing the ball over to Dylan Thompson. The third-stringer has played sparingly in all three preseason games connecting on 7 of 15 throws for 52 yards.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
The Chargers were determined to fix their woeful running game this offseason. They climbed the draft board to secure standout Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon. They revamped their offensive line, which has just one returning starter at his same position. But after three preseason games, their average sits at 3.4 yards per carry – the same as it was last season. “We’re just trying to get better as a team,” coach Mike McCoy said. “There are plays that look really good and there are plays that have a lack of finish or lack of execution.” McCoy and offensive coordinator Frank Reich are working others on the line with projected starters Orlando Franklin and Johnnie Troutman out with injuries.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“We’re in the middle of that right now. There’s obviously the thought of sitting those guys. We’ve looked at what people have done across the league in the past couple of years. We are trying to make a smart decision. Whether you get more out of practice with those guys as opposed to playing them a series, we’ll find out. But if they do play, it won’t be a lot.” – 49ers coach Jim Tomsula on if his starters will play Thursday
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
Heading into the final preseason game, frontline players will take a backseat to rookies trying to make an impression and earn a job. One player for San Diego who should receive ample time against the 49ers is third-round cornerback Craig Mager. The Texas State product has shown improvement each week and made a nice play Saturday by breaking up a pass on a deep ball against fellow rookie Tyler Lockett. With versatility and the ability to play special teams, Mager has a good shot to solidify a spot by playing well this week.
INJURIES
The Chargers will play without linebacker Jerry Attachou, who injured his knee Saturday. Also receiver Dontrelle Inman and cornerback Chris Davis are dealing with concussion-like symptoms.
Linebacker Darnell Dockett has some “cartilage thing” in his rib cage area, according to coach Jim Tomsula. He wasn’t expected to play in the preseason finale anyway, now he certainly will not play. Receiver Torrey Smith and cornerback Tramaine Brock are also out with leg injuries.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Both teams still have plenty of work to do in the trenches, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The Chargers will be better once injured starters Franklin and Troutman get back in the rotation while the Niners have no reinforcements waiting to be called on. While most of the starting skill players take the night off, the backups get a chance to shine and San Diego has more depth. The Chargers backup QB duo of Clemens and Sorensen led them to a win at Arizona two weeks ago when Rivers sat and will get the reps Thursday. It hasn’t mattered who the Niners put on the field, they just haven’t done much offensively. This game has under written all over it.
San Diego 17, San Francisco 12
BookMaker opened the spread for this Thursday game at -3 in favor of the 49ers. The NFL odds total surfaced at 37. Minute-by-minute spreads, totals and props are available for this game using the live betting platform at BookMaker.
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The game between the San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2015, at 10 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium. The matchup will be televised live on the NFL Network.
