The San Francisco 49ers is favored in NFL betting odds to finish with an undefeated preseason. How long has it been since the 49ers had a perfect preseason? They have not gone unbeaten in the preseason since 1992. San Francisco is a 3.5 point favorite in NFL odds at the Sbg global sportsbook with a total of 36.There are only two unbeaten teams in the preseason. The 49ers are one and the Baltimore Ravens are the other. San Francisco should have an edge in this game since they are at home but it should be noted that not many of the starters for the 49ers are going to play.
Outcome Rests on Carr – The 49ers are not real excited about their backup quarterback situation. Head coach Mike Singletary has said that he is pleased with starter Alex Smith but he is not real thrilled with backup David Carr. The third string quarterback, Nate Davis has actually played much better than Carr in the preseason. The 49ers may not play their starters at all on Thursday so Carr should get a lot of work. Normally when you think of a veteran quarterback getting a lot of work in the preseason it would be good news. Carr has played so poorly though that you have to wonder how the 49ers will do. They might be better off with Davis running the offense.
Starters Out – When you look at this game you are probably better listing the starters who will play since there are so many that won’t that it becomes a laundry list. Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and others are unlikely to play for San Francisco. The Chargers may not give quarterback Philip Rivers, running back Ryan Mathews and tight end Antonio Gates any work on Thursday.
San Diego Backup QB’s – The Chargers have Billy Volek and Jonathan Crompton as the backups to Rivers. Volek is supposed to be a quality backup quarterback but he has been poor in the preseason. He and Crompton have thrown zero TD passes and they have combined to throw four interceptions.
All-Time Series – The Chargers lead the all-time series 20-18. They beat the 49ers by a score of 26-7 last year in NFL betting odds.