Chargers vs 49ers | NFL Preseason Week 3, Aug 23, 2025

The NFL Preseason is heating up, and one of the most intriguing matchups on the Week 3 slate will be the Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers showdown. Scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 5:30 PM, this clash will take place at Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Fans can watch the game live on FuboTV, and tickets are available starting as low as $26, Ticketmaster and StubHub, making it a perfect chance for fans to experience live NFL action before the regular season kicks off.

Game Overview

Both the Chargers and the 49ers enter this preseason contest looking to fine-tune their rosters, evaluate young talent, and ensure their starters are healthy for Week 1 of the regular season. Preseason Week 3 often serves as a “dress rehearsal” for starters, with many coaches giving their first-team offenses and defenses extended action to build chemistry.

For the Chargers, this game represents a chance to showcase their revamped offense under a new system. Meanwhile, the 49ers, coming off another strong season, will look to reinforce their dominance in the NFC and continue developing depth across their roster.

Game Information

• Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers vs. San Francisco 49ers
• Week: NFL Week 3
• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Time: 5:30 PM
• Location: Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, California
• TV Broadcast: FuboTV

Los Angeles Chargers Preview

The Chargers have entered the 2025 season with high expectations. With a dynamic quarterback leading the way, their offense is expected to be one of the most explosive in the league. The preseason has already provided glimpses of young wideouts and rookie playmakers who could have an impact once the regular season starts.

Defensively, the Chargers are focused on improving consistency. Their pass rush looks dangerous, and they’ve been experimenting with different rotations in the secondary. Preseason Week 3 could give fans their first extended look at how the starters gel against a powerhouse like San Francisco.

Key storylines for the Chargers include:

• Building rhythm between the quarterback and wide receivers.
• Establishing a reliable run game behind a reshaped offensive line.
• Determining which defensive backs will secure starting roles.

San Francisco 49ers Preview

The 49ers are once again among the favorites in the NFC, thanks to their dominant defense and balanced offensive attack. This preseason, the team has been evaluating depth at key positions, particularly at quarterback and running back, while also managing the workload of their star players.

Coach Kyle Shanahan has used the preseason to test different combinations on the offensive line and experiment with play-calling strategies. Fans should expect to see the 49ers’ starters for at least a few series against the Chargers, making this game an excellent preview of their regular-season approach.

Key storylines for the 49ers include:

• How the quarterbacks perform under preseason pressure.
• Which young defensive linemen step up to complement the stars.
• Whether the secondary continues to hold its own against elite passing attacks.

Matchup to Watch: Chargers Offense vs. 49ers Defense

The highlight of this preseason battle will be the Chargers’ high-powered offense going up against the 49ers’ ferocious defense. Even in preseason action, the physicality of San Francisco’s defensive line will test Los Angeles’s protection schemes.

If the Chargers can find success moving the ball and protecting their quarterback, it could be a sign of things to come in the regular season. On the flip side, if the 49ers’ defense dominates early, it will reinforce their reputation as one of the league’s most feared units.

Players to Watch

Chargers:

• The starting quarterback, looking to establish rhythm with receivers.
• Rookie wide receiver showing flashes of breakout potential.
• A young linebacker competing for a roster spot.

49ers:

• Quarterback rotation battle as backups fight for roles.
• Rookie defensive back aiming to prove he belongs with the starters.
• Running backs competing for depth chart positioning.

Game Atmosphere

Levi’s® Stadium is expected to be buzzing with energy as fans welcome back their 49ers. Preseason games may not carry the weight of regular-season matchups, but they provide a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of excitement. With affordable tickets starting at just $26, fans will have a great opportunity to see their favorite players in action.

Prediction

While preseason games are less about the final score and more about preparation, the 49ers’ depth and defensive strength give them a slight edge at home. The Chargers will look to make a statement offensively, but San Francisco’s ability to control the trenches might prove too much.

Projected Outcome: 49ers 20, Chargers 17.

The Chargers vs. 49ers preseason matchup is more than just an exhibition game—it’s a valuable step in each team’s journey toward the 2025 NFL season. Fans can expect competitive action, highlight plays from rising stars, and a glimpse into how both squads are shaping up for the battles ahead.

Whether you’re watching from the stands at Levi’s® Stadium or tuning in via FuboTV, this game promises to deliver the excitement that only NFL football can bring.