Tonight, the San Francisco 49ers (7-7) will host the San Diego Chargers (8-6) at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The 49ers are coming off of a 17-7 road loss to the Seattle Seahawks.The Chargers are coming off of a 22-10 home loss to the Denver Broncos.
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Last week, the 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention with their loss to the Seahawks. It is the first time since 2010 that San Francisco will miss the postseason. Injuries have plagued the 49ers all season long. On defense, the most notable injuries have been to linebackers NaVorro Bowman, who was never able to return from his devastating knee injury suffered in last season's NFC Championship game, and Patrick Willis, who was placed on injured reserve because of a toe injury. The team was also without nose tackle Glenn Dorsey for the season and their cornerback position has been plagued with injuries as well.
This week, the team signed linebacker Desmond Bishop to add some help for the depleted unit. They also promoted nose tackle Mike Purcell from the practice squad.
Last week against the Seahawks, the 49ers lost running backs Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde to injuries, special teams standout Kassim Osgood, and linebackers Chris Borland and Ahmad Brooks. Osgood is done for the season and Borland likely will not play again in 2014 either.
The team has also been plagued with controversy this season. The latest drama includes the release of defensive lineman Ray McDonald, who was accused of sexual assault this week, and the news surrounding the likely departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh at the end of the season. This week, it was reported that Harbaugh was offered a 6-year, $48 million deal to coach for the University of Michigan, his alma mater. Harbaugh has stated that he wants to finish out the season with San Francisco, but if he does not take the offer from Michigan, it is likely that he will be traded or fired.
49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has struggled greatly this season. During the team's three-game losing streak, he has a passer rating of 54.3, just one touchdown, four interceptions, and has been sacked 15 times.
The Chargers will be without leading receiver Keenan Allen, who broke his right collarbone and injured his right ankle against the Broncos, and running back Ryan Mathews' status for tonight's game in unknown. Punter Mike Scifres has a broken collarbone and linebacker Donald Butler has been placed on injured reserve with a dislocated elbow. The good news for the Chargers is that they may be getting tight end Ladarius Green back from a concussion and ankle injury.
The Chargers are still fighting for a playoff spot and are one game behind wildcard leaders Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
As usual, you can visit 49erswebzone.com for the latest news and updates during and after the game.
Quick Hits:
With a win, the 49ers would improve to 7-1 at home against non-conference opponents since 2011.
With a win, the 49ers would improve to 12-4 against the AFC since 2011.
The 49ers have won their last three Saturday games.
Defensive lineman Tank Carradine had five tackles and two sacks against the Seahawks last week.
The 49ers are 6-0 in games this season where Frank Gore has 16+ carries. They are 1-7 when he has less than 16.
Anquan Boldin needs 80 yards to become the 4th player in franchise history with multiple seasons of 1,000+ yards receiving.
Offensive Rankings:
The 49ers rank 27th with 314.1 yards-per-game. The Chargers rank 21st with 332.7 yards-per-game.
Defensive Rankings:
The 49ers rank 3rd, allowing 307.1 yards-per-game. The Chargers rank 9th, allowing 336.8 yards-per-game.
Last Meeting:
The Chargers beat the 49ers 34-7 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA in 2010.
Kickoff:
The game kicks off at 5:25 PM PT.
Betting:
The 49ers are 1 point favorites.
Fan Picks:
At Yahoo! Sports, fans are split 50/50 on who will win this game. Within our Pick 'em contest, 63% of fans believe that the 49ers will win this game.
Follow the Game:
You can follow the game live on NFL.com's Game Center.
Social Media:
You can also discuss the game with fans in the 49erswebzone.com forums. Become a fan of 49erswebzone.com on Facebook and Google+ or follow us on Twitter.
Television:
The game will be televised nationally on CBS and NFL Network.
