The San Diego Chargers are 8-6 with their backs against the proverbial wall when it comes to making the postseason. San Diego needs to win out and get some help to make the AFC playoffs, starting Saturday against the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco is already eliminated from the postseason at 7-7 after losing their last three games.
Chargers vs. 49ers 2014 picks and predictions: Experts confounded by matchup
San Diego must win to keep playoff dreams alive, while the 49ers are finishing out a disappointing campaign.
The Chargers made the postseason last year by winning four straight games to close out the season. This year, San Diego is in need of a victory to break its two-game losing streak. The Chargers rely heavily on their passing attack, led by Philip Rivers. Rivers has thrown for 3,639 yards and 27 touchdowns, but will be without receiver Keenan Allen, who broke his collarbone against the Denver Broncos last week. Allen could miss the rest of the regular season.
San Francisco is in a season-long funk. The 49ers appear ready to move on from head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has brought the team to three NFC title games and a Super Bowl during his tenure. In Harbaugh's defense, the Niners have also been hounded by injuries, especially on defense. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman is still recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season, while Patrick Willis has been out since Week 6 with a toe injury.
Over at ESPN, only Mark Schlereth and Seth Wickersham are taking the 49ers to break the losing skid. There is a lot more faith in San Francisco at CBS Sports, with five of the eight experts picking the home team. USA Today also slightly favors the 49ers, with four of seven predictions leaning toward San Francisco.
At SB Nation, the Chargers get considerable love with five of our eight selections picking San Diego over San Fran.
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