Chargers vs 49ers Prediction & Betting Tips for NFL Preseason Week 2 on 8/20/2026

The San Francisco 49ers will travel to SoFi Stadium to face the Los Angeles Chargers for their second preseason game of the 2026 season. This night game is set to kick off at 10:00 PM on August 20, and will be broadcasted on NFLN. Despite an overcast sky, weather conditions inside the dome are expected to be unaffected.

Under the guidance of head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers are looking to recover from a narrow 19-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans in their preseason opener. San Francisco finished last regular season with a strong 12-5 record, but their postseason run ended in the Divisional Round against the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers' coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak and defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, are gearing up to fine-tune their strategies in this matchup.

The Los Angeles Chargers, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, come into this game with a preseason record of 1-0 following their commanding 27-7 victory over the Houston Texans. Last season, the Chargers ended with an 11-6 regular season record but were eliminated in the Wild Card Round by the New England Patriots. Key personnel like offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary aim to maintain their early momentum in the preseason.

In terms of betting odds, the Chargers are favored with a moneyline of -122 and a spread of -1.5. The total points are set at 39.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive game. Both teams will use this preseason contest to evaluate player performances and refine their playbooks before the regular season begins.

Chargers vs 49ers At a Glance (Preseason Week 2)

• The 2026 Preseason Week 2 game features the San Francisco 49ers against the Los Angeles Chargers.
• The game will be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA, which is a dome stadium.
• The weather forecast indicates overcast clouds, but wind should not affect play inside the dome.
• The San Francisco 49ers enter this game with a preseason record of 0-1-0.
• The Los Angeles Chargers have a preseason record of 1-0-0.
• The Chargers are favored on the moneyline with odds of -122 compared to the 49ers at +102.

Chargers Charging Forward: Los Angeles Chargers in the 2026 Preseason

Offensive Performance

The Los Angeles Chargers have shown a promising offensive display in the 2026 preseason, ranking 6th in total offensive yards with 379 yards per game. Their passing game has been particularly strong, achieving 275 passing yards per game, which ranks 4th in the league.

The rushing attack, while not as dominant as the passing game, still averages a respectable 104 yards per game. This positions them 16th in the preseason rankings, indicating a balanced offensive approach.

Defensive Prowess

Defensively, the Chargers have been exceptional, allowing only 7 points in their first preseason game, placing them at the top of the rankings. The defense also restricted opponents to 209 total yards, ranking 6th overall.

Their passing defense has been particularly effective, limiting opposing teams to 98 passing yards, ranking 4th in the league. However, their rushing defense needs improvement as they rank 18th, allowing 111 rushing yards per game.

Key Players to Watch

DJ Uiagalelei and Trey Lance have been pivotal at the quarterback position. Uiagalelei threw for 120 yards and 1 touchdown, while Lance added 164 yards, showing depth and versatility in the QB lineup.

Running back Amar Johnson has been a standout, with 17 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns, alongside his receiving contributions. Wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith also impressed with 58 receiving yards, offering a reliable target downfield.

Upcoming Matchups

The Chargers are set to play against the San Francisco 49ers at home on August 20, 2026, at SoFi Stadium. This game will be crucial for evaluating the team's readiness as they are 1.5-point favorites.

Following that, they will face the Los Angeles Rams, also at SoFi Stadium, on August 27, 2026. These games will provide further insight into their preseason preparations and areas needing attention before the regular season.

Team Betting Trends

• The Chargers have a 100% record against the total in their last three preseason games as favorites.
• They have won all three of their last preseason games as underdogs.
• Against the spread as underdogs in the preseason, they have a 100% success rate in the last three games.
• They have a strong over/under record after wins in their last three preseason games.
• In preseason games with totals less than or equal to 42, they have gone 5-1 in their last six games.

49ers Ready for Preseason Battle Against the Chargers

Quarterback Situation

The San Francisco 49ers are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers, bringing a dynamic quarterback lineup into the preseason matchup. Adrian Martinez leads the charge, having demonstrated his ability to move the ball with 159 passing yards in their recent game. Kurtis Rourke is another name to watch, contributing an additional 101 yards through the air.

Running Back Overview

Christian McCaffrey is expected to be a focal point for the 49ers' ground game this preseason, as he continues to be a key player in their offensive strategy. The team also has depth at the position with players like Khalil Herbert and Sincere McCormick, who will look to make an impact in this matchup.

Wide Receiver and Tight End Positions

The 49ers' receiving corps is spearheaded by Mike Evans, with De'Zhaun Stribling and Jordan Watkins providing additional options. On the tight end front, Jake Tonges will be filling in while George Kittle recovers from injury, aiming to be a reliable target for the quarterbacks.

Defensive Line and Linebacker Strength

Nick Bosa anchors a formidable defensive line, bringing his pass-rushing prowess to the fore. The linebacker unit is bolstered by the presence of Fred Warner and Tatum Bethune, who are expected to be disruptive forces against the Chargers.

Injury Concerns

Injury concerns persist for the 49ers, with notable absences including George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk. These injuries could test the depth of the squad and influence the team's strategic approach against the Chargers.

Special Teams

On special teams, Eddy Piñeiro will handle kicking duties, having successfully converted two field goals in their last game. The performance of the special teams unit could prove pivotal in close contests.

Betting Trends

• The 49ers are undefeated in their last 7 regular season games as favorites.
• They have covered the spread in their last 7 regular season games as favorites.
• In the last 4 away regular season games, they have secured straight-up victories.
• They have also covered the spread in these 4 away games.
• Following a regular season loss, the 49ers have won and covered the spread in their last 4 games.

Conclusion

As the 49ers prepare to take on the Chargers, key players in their depth chart will have opportunities to showcase their skills. The outcome of this preseason game could hinge on their ability to execute both offensively and defensively, while managing the impact of key injuries.

Chargers vs 49ers Prediction: Chargers -1.5

The Los Angeles Chargers head into this preseason matchup as -1.5-point favorites against the San Francisco 49ers. The Chargers are coming off a strong preseason showing, having secured a victory in their first game. Their home record from last season also provides confidence, as they finished with a commendable 6-3 record at SoFi Stadium.

In contrast, the 49ers have started their preseason with a loss, which could be indicative of early struggles. The team’s preseason offensive output has been modest, scoring just 13 points and ranking 13th in scoring. With the Chargers boasting a defense that only allowed 7 points in their last preseason game, they seem primed to handle the 49ers' offensive threats.

While both teams have a strong history, the Chargers have the edge in this matchup. The preseason stats favor the Chargers, particularly when playing as the home team, making them a solid pick against the spread. Additionally, the Chargers' defensive ranks and recent form suggest they should cover the -1.5 spread effectively.

For these reasons, our prediction leans towards the Chargers covering the spread. Expect them to take advantage of their home field and deliver a win with a projected scoreline.

• Chargers vs 49ers Prediction: Chargers -1.5
• Chargers vs 49ers Score: Chargers 24 - 49ers 16

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.