San Francisco 49ers at San Diego Chargers (-3), Total 38 |
San Francisco has scored just 27 points combined in its three preseason games, which wasn’t even enough to outscore the Houston Texans in last week’s loss. The 49ers hope things turn around quickly before its regular season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 11.
First-year head coach Jim Harbaugh is quick to point out that four of his main offensive weapons have yet to be on the field at the same time this month. The performance will only get better due to this fact.
“Once we get everybody on the field,” 49ers wide receiver Braylon Edwards said. “This offense will be explosive.”
Presumed starting quarterback Alex Smith needs to step up early on during the 2011 campaign or he will lose his job, as he’s completed just 12 of 26 pass attempts for 153 yards in three exhibition contests.
San Diego left the comforts of Southern California and returned with two road victories over the Dallas Cowboys (20-7) and Arizona Cardinals (34-31). The Chargers offense scored the second-most points in the league a year ago and seems ready to start the regular season.
Wide receiver Vincent Jackson is likely to have a huge year with quarterback Philip Rivers targeting him, as he leads the squad with 10 catches for 181 yards. He was unstoppable on the outside Saturday, making five receptions for 78 yards.
Bettors will likely back the Chargers due to their 26-18 ATS mark during the preseason against NFC West opponents, while the 49ers are 4-8 ATS as a road underdog of three points or less.
