NFL Spread Betting – Chargers vs 49ers

The preseason’s most surprising team will try to go 4-0 in the NFL spread betting Thursday. Can the 49ers finish the preseason 4-0 when they host the Chargers Thursday?

San Diego Chargers (1-2 Preseason, 1-2 ATS) at San Francisco 49ers (3-0 Preseason, 3-0 ATS)
Thursday, September 2: 10:00 p.m. Live from Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

NFL Betting Lines:
San Diego: +3 ½
San Francisco: -3 ½
Total Points: 35 ½

After three preseason games, there are only two teams that have yet to lose. One is a surprise to no one, the Baltimore Ravens. The other? The San Francisco 49ers.The 49ers enter this game 3-0, and have been getting wins on the basis of a much improved offense.

While a lot of teams talk about establishing the run, the 49ers are actually doing it so far this preseason.

Last weekend against Oakland, San Francisco picked apart the Raiders front seven, with 165 yards on the ground. Frank Gore will get the bulk of the carries once the real season kicks off, but hasn’t seen much action this preseason. He made the most of that time last weekend though, rushing for 58 yards on just two carries, leading the 49ers to an easy NFL game spread win over the Raiders. His backup Anthony Dixon was equally impressive, carrying 21 times to the tune of 69 yards and a touchdown score.

The Chargers could very well struggle to stop this 49ers offense, as they’ve show little ability to slow down anyone this preseason. Last weekend was especially tough against the Saints, as San Diego traveled cross-country only to get whopped on by the defending Super Bowl Champions. Drew Brees and company went up and down the field, totaling 552 yards in a game that wasn’t anywhere near as close as the 36-21 final.

Obviously if the Chargers are to get an NFL Spread win Thursday, that defense will need to improve, but so will the offense. This group is down two key contributors, as tackle Marcus McNeill and wide receiver Vincent Jackson are holding out. Still, they need to get production from who is actually playing. Quarterback Philip Rivers completed just 16 of 27 passes last weekend, and his backup Billy Volek was even worse behind him. Rookie running back

Ryan Matthews will be asked to carry a heavy load, but needs to be better than he was last week. He averaged just 3.3 yards on his 13 carries, finishing with 43 yards.

If you’re looking for the NFL spread winner in this one, there’s only one play to make. That’s with the 49ers to cover against San Diego.

Already undefeated, the 49ers have little to prove against the Chargers, but that won’t stop them from doing so anyway. Coach Mike Singletary has established that power running game, and the San Francisco defense should be able to keep San Diego in check. Returning home for just the second time this preseason will be exactly the boost San Francisco needs.

Folks, we’re a mere days away from the start of the season, but before that happens, make some preseason picks. The one you want for this Thursday is the 49ers, as your NFL spread wager.

Aaron’s Pick: San Francisco -3 ½