Last year, the San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers both made the postseason. This year, the Niners are already on the outside looking in while the Chargers must win against the Niners to even stay alive in a crowded AFC playoff race.
Chargers vs. 49ers 2014 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
San Diego needs a victory to keep pace in the AFC and hopes to beat a 49ers team already out of playoff contention.
The 49ers were widely expected to be a contender in the NFC, but fell far short of expectations with injuries to Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Vernon Davis killing the campaign. Additionally, Colin Kaepernick has been a source of angst for fans with his erratic play, highlighted by his horrific performances against the Seahawks twice over the past three weeks. Kaepernick was signed to a $126 million contract extension this offseason, but unfortunately the offense has never been able to get on track. Frank Gore has averaged only 3.9 yards per carry and Michael Crabtree has underperformed in a contract year with 652 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The Chargers need to beat San Francisco and then follow it up with a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in order to fulfill their playoff hopes. However, San Diego needs some help to get into the playoffs and must have the Baltimore Ravens lose once, or have the Pittsburgh Steelers or Cincinnati Bengals lose out.
The Chargers have been streaky all season, winning five of their first six before losing three straight. Then after the bye week, San Diego defeated the Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams and Ravens before falling to the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, putting them at 8-6.
How to Watch
Where: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
When: 8:25 p.m. ET
TV: CBS, NFL Network
Announcers: Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts, Jenny Dell
Online streaming: Verizon NFL Mobile
Odds
San Francisco is favored by 1 point at home against San Diego, with an over/under of 41 points, per OddsShark.
Further Reading
For more on the Chargers, head over to Bolts from the Blue.
To keep up on the 49ers, check out Niners Nation.
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