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GAME ESSENTIALS: Chargers (5-3) vs. 49ers (4-4) at Levi’s Stadium, at 5:20 p.m. (PT). TV: NBC. Announcers: Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (color commentary), Melissa Stark (sideline reporting).
ODDS: 49ers -7.5. OVER/UNDER: 45.5.
SERIES: Chargers lead 8-6. LAST MEETING: Chargers won 29-27 on Sept. 30, 2018.
After a major division win and a bye week, the 49ers are back in action — and they kick off the second half of their season with a pivotal Sunday Night matchup.
The Los Angeles Chargers and standout quarterback Justin Herbert are in Santa Clara for what has the potential to be a shootout. Unfortunately, it won’t be an on-field Bosa affair, as Nick’s older brother Joey is still rehabbing from a core muscle surgery at the end of September. With Joey out, John Bosa said he’s inclined to slightly root for the 49ers and Nick.
But perhaps more impactful to the 49ers on-field success will be the first game where we see the fully-healthy and fully-available “McDeebo” package of Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, as Samuel has recovered from the hamstring strain that sidelined him for the Rams game.
In his first full game after being traded to the 49ers, McCaffrey stole the show in the win over the Rams, tallying a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the 31-14 win. Now, with Samuel back and McCaffrey fully integrated, seeing how Shanahan decides to use McCaffrey and Samuel — and the other offensive weapons like running back Elijah Mitchell, who is also back — will be a key storyline to watch for the rest of the season.
Health-wise, how the 49ers look defensively will be worth watching, too. San Francisco lost Jason Verrett for the season when the veteran cornerback tore his Achilles during practice this week, just as he was nearing a return from a torn ACL. With both Verrett and Emmanuel Moseley out for the season, how the 49ers look at cornerback is a major question they’ll have to answer in the second half.
But with the Seahawks losing to Tampa Bay in Munich, Germany early on Sunday, the 49ers have a chance to get above .500 and pull within half-a-game of first place in the NFC West. And, if the Super Bowl remains the goal, it’s a game the 49ers not only need to win, but win in a way that matches the potential of all their talent.
Follow along with our reporters Cam Inman and Jerry McDonald, columnist Dieter Kurtenbach and other analysts providing their thoughts about the game.
