49ers @ Chargers
Graham Tiedtke
The San Francisco 49ers lost their starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, for the season with a torn ACL. An injury to a starting quarterback is enough to doom most teams.
I do believe that this is the case for the 49ers, especially facing a high caliber player like rookie first-round pick safety Derwin James.
The Chargers will be without pass rusher Joey Bosa again, as he recovers from an injury, but they will be facing a young, relatively inexperienced quarterback in CJ Beathard.
San Francisco running back Matt Breida will probably be a problem for the Chargers, as he is second in the league in rushing yards (since the Rams’ Todd Gurley played on Thursday Night Football).
The Chargers’ offense will be the 49ers’ biggest problem. They have a very good quarterback in Phillip Rivers, one of the best running backs in the league in Melvin Gordon, a young bright star at receiver in Mike Williams, and one of the best-known players on the team in tight end Antonio Gates.
Chargers 38, 49ers 17
Baylor Bradac
The LA Chargers will be facing off against a Jimmy G-less 49ers team in the City of Angels.
Philip Rivers has been playing well this season and will be looking to continue his hot streak. With great receivers in Mike Williams and Keenan Allen backed with the skilled power running of Melvin Gordon, the 49ers’ defense will not be able to contain the dual offensive threat of the Chargers.
Additionally, even without Joey Bosa (foot), the LA pass rush will cause problems for the 49ers’ offense.
If LA can keep their turnovers to a minimum, this game, in almost every way, belongs to the Chargers. If LA loses, it’s going to raise a lot of questions in the Chargers locker room.
Chargers 27, 49ers 13