NFL Picks: Preseason Week 3 Chargers vs 49ers

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The NFL Franchise Los Angeles Chargers, boasting a preseason record of 1-1-0 and a last-season tally of 10-7-0, are journeying north to the heart of California. There, the San Francisco 49ers, also 1-1-0 in the preseason and an impressive 13-4-0 last season, eagerly await the conclusive preseason game of 2023. In their last face-off during the 2022-23 regular season, the Niners edged out a 22-16 victory at their home turf. Although the stakes may have shifted, Levi’s Stadium is set to be the battleground once more. With kickoff pegged for 10:00 p.m. EDT.

BUSR NFL Lines:

• Spread: Chargers +7.5 (-110), 49ers -7.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Chargers +270, 49ers -359
• Total: Chargers O 37.5 (-110), 49ers U 37.5 (-110)

Last 49ers Adjustments

After clinching a thrilling last-second preseason home victory a week ago, San Francisco is gearing up to replicate that win this Friday. Current plans suggest that the 49ers’ starters will kick off the action. Brock Purdy’s road to recovery has made this move somewhat imperative, even if he’s already solidified his status as QB1. The competition heating up behind him, with Sam Darnold and Trey Lance, intensifies the QB2 selection. Wide receiver Ronnie Bell, currently ranking second in preseason receiving yards, can stamp his spot with another exemplary display, especially given the current injury landscape. Tight ends Charlie Woerner and Ross Dwelley are also neck and neck in the race for inclusion. The offensive line, meanwhile, has one remaining vacancy with Nick Zakelj being the frontrunner.

Defensively, the 49ers’ lineup looks relatively solid, particularly given their past accolades of conceding the least points per game last season. But the spotlight will be on defensive linemen T.Y. McGill and Kalia Davis, who, with a stellar performance against the Chargers, could find themselves on the main roster. The linebacker selection still has room for debate, but the most intriguing battle is in the cornerback position. Outside of Charvarius Ward, who’s secured his position, a medley of corners will be tested in various roles.

Chargers Choosing Final Cuts

Los Angeles has signaled a different strategy, hinting at resting their primary players. This provides an opportunity to finalize their roster. Newly acquired linebacker Tae Crowder will be under scrutiny. Having earned his stripes as a Giant and then a brief stint with the Steelers, he’s now tasked with reinforcing a Chargers’ run defense that faltered in 2022. Another standout, the undrafted cornerback Tiawan Mullen, will either secure his spot with robust coverage or rely on his commendable special teams contributions to make the cut.

The Chargers’ offensive game took a minor setback last week, but not without some highlights. Easton Stick, who was at the helm throughout the game, despite a modest 17-point tally, seems to have cemented his backup role. Rookie quarterback Max Duggan could be taking the lion’s share of snaps this time. And while Duggan’s roster spot seems relatively safe, this game could tilt the balance between making the 53-man squad or being relegated to the practice squad.

Running back Elijah Dotson’s trajectory has been a rollercoaster this preseason. After a stellar start, he regressed in the last game, particularly evident in two late-game drops. With the Chargers’ top running back positions almost finalized, Dotson’s performance could be the decider. Given the Chargers’ apparent deficiencies at the tight end position and along the offensive line, the spotlight will also be on the prospects looking to fill those gaps.

Recommendation

Home advantage coupled with fielding their primary players puts the Niners in a favorable position. An early lead seems likely, setting the narrative for the game. When it comes to bench strength and depth, San Francisco appears to have the upper hand across most positions.

Projecting the game flow, it’s anticipated that the 49ers will command a substantial lead throughout, buoyed by superior game plans and positional skirmishes. The quality of players vying for spots, especially when juxtaposed, suggests an NFL Odds supported 49ers’ victory under the Levi’s Stadium lights.