San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Chargers Picks and Prediction for Thursday August 20 2026

By: Eddie Kline Published 08/17/2026, 09:00 PM ET

49ers Preview

Beautiful SoFi Stadium will play host to a Thursday night NFL preseason clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Chargers. Get ready for all the football action with our NFL Picks. The 49ers have won 53 regular season games over the last five years and are looking to win their first Super Bowl title since 1994. Last season, RB Christian McCaffrey went for 2,000 plus yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns. QB Brock Purdy battled injuries, but completed 69 percent of his passes. 

On Thursday, San Francisco rested nearly all of their starters during a 19-13 home loss versus Tennessee. Rookie WR De’Zhaun Stribling flashed for the 49ers with a game-high seven receptions and 63 receiving yards. 

Chargers Preview

The Los Angeles Chargers have won 11 regular season games in consecutive seasons and are in search of their first Super Bowl title in franchise history. All-Pro QB Justin Herbert worked behind a makeshift offensive line for much of the 2025 campaign, but still managed to throw for 3.727 yards and 26 touchdowns. The blocking unit will be much better with tackles Ra’Shawn Slater and Joe Alt returning from injury. New OC Mike McDaniel will look to devise plenty of schemes for second-year RB Omarion Hampton.

In their preseason opener, Los Angeles held Houston scoreless for the final three quarters to earn a 27-7 road triumph. RB Amar Johnson hit paydirt twice on just six carries. Los Angeles QB Trey Lance threw for a game-high 164 yards and Johnson caught two passes for 68 yards. 

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49ers vs Chargers Pick

San Francisco TE George Kittle is recovering from an Achilles injury and is still holding out hope to be ready for the regular season opener. These two offenses finished in the top ten a season ago and could be even more dynamic this year. Look for the Chargers to win at home in a game that goes over the total. Final Score Prediction, Los Angeles Chargers win 24-23.

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