49ers vs. Chargers: A prospector's guide

The San Francisco 49ers are back in action this weekend, as they play host to the San Diego Chargers. The 49ers and Chargers face off every four years in the regular inter-conference rotation, but they also play every preseason. The 49ers are talking about playing for pride, and going hard in these final two games, but in some ways this Saturday's game feels a bit like a glorified preseason game. The 49ers can potentially knock the Chargers out of the playoff race with a win, or the 49ers can improve their draft position with a loss. I suppose either works!

This game and the season finale against Arizona are playing for pride, but also potentially padding some stats. The most notable would be wide receiver Anquan Boldin. He is at 920 receiving yards, which means 80 more yards gets him his seventh 1,000-yard season, and his second consecutive with the 49ers. I suppose he could consider retirement after this year, but he is continuing to roll along, so I think we see him back in 2015.

Beyond that, it will be about seeing what the young players can do. We've seen some great things in short order from Aaron Lynch, Tank Carradine has emerged with some additional playing time, and Dontae Johnson is looking pretty solid at cornerback. It's not quite the things we wanted to get us excited heading into the season, but it is something to build on for 2015.

Series Highlights
Matchups: 13
Series Record: 49ers lead series 7-6
49ers Home Record vs. Chargers: 49ers lead series 3-2
First Meeting: 9/17/72, 49ers win 34-3, at SF
Last Meeting: 12/16/10, Chargers win 34-7, at SD
Current Streak: Lost 3
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 6 (11/27/88 - 12/3/00)
Longest Chargers Win Streak: 3 - 2 Times (Last 11/17/02 - 12/16/10)
Most 49ers Points: 49 (1/29/95): 49ers win 49-26, at Mia. (s)
Most Chargers Points: 48 (10/15/06): Chargers win 48-19, at SF
49ers Shutouts: None
Chargers Shutouts: None
(s) - Super Bowl XXIX (Joe Robbie Stadium - Miami, FL)

S Antoine Bethea

• As a member of the Indianapolis Colts, intercepted Chargers QB Philip Rivers in AFC Wild Card round of the playoffs at SD (1/3/09).

WR Anquan Boldin

• As a member of the Arizona Cardinals, had 4 receptions for 112 yards (28.0 avg.) at SD (12/31/06).

K Phil Dawson

• Made 6 of 6 FG attempts and 1 PAT for a career-high 19 points at SD (11/5/06).

WR Stevie Johnson

• As a member of the Buffalo Bills, recorded 4 receptions for 116 yards in his only career game vs. SD (12/11/11).

DT Justin Smith

• In 5 career games against SD, he has totaled 20 tackles, 2.0 sacks and 2 PDs.

• Registered 4 tackles and sacked Chargers QB Doug Flutie for a 13-yd. loss at SD (9/30/01).

• Recorded 3 tackles and 1.0 sack at SD (11/23/03).

2014 Statistics