NFL Sportsbook Betting – 49ers Try To Make Late Surge To The Playoffs

NFL Betting odds makers know that the San Francisco 49ers are in the same spot that the San Diego Chargers inhabited two years ago. The two teams meet Thursday night in a surprisingly intriguing inter-conference matchup.

San Francisco 49ers @ San Diego Chargers Thursday, December 16th – 8:20 PM ET Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego

Broadcast: NFL Network

NFL Sportsbook Betting Odds: 49ers +9, Chargers -9

Total: 44.5

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There’s a certain pronounced amount of irony surrounding this week’s Thursday night game between San Francisco and San Diego. Two seasons ago, in December of 2008, the San Diego Chargers were 4-8 through 12 games. Yet, because the AFC West was so horrible that season, the Lightning Bolts were able to win their last four games, finish 8-8, and win the division, thereby managing to make the NFL playoffs. It was absurd and unreasonable and improbable, but it happened. Now, in 2010, the San Francisco 49ers could amazingly experience the same late-season rise to an unlikely division crown. The 49ers were 4-8 through 12 games, but after whacking the Seattle Seahawks this past Sunday, coach Mike Singletary’s team, at 5-8, will win the division if it wins the remainder of its games and Seattle loses just once. This encounter with San Diego represents what is clearly the 49ers’ toughest test on the road to an 8-8 record and a playoff berth. Who knew that a game between two underachieving teams – the 49ers at 5-8 and the Chargers at 7-6 – could possess so much meaning and interest?

NFL Sportsbook Handicapping: What The 49ers Have To Do To Win

The 49ers just played their very best game of the year this past weekend against Seattle. With only three days of rest, they need to max out one more time in Southern California. The simple foundation of San Francisco’s success against the Seahawks was that quarterback Alex Smith, re-inserted into the starting lineup, took great care of the ball. San Francisco has quality pass catchers and possesses an offensive line that can protect Smith. Stupid decisions and untimely fumbles have killed the Niners this season. Ball security and a big night from Smith will give San Francisco a very realistic chance of pulling off the upset in this contest.

NFL Sportsbook Handicapping: What The Chargers Have To Do To Win

San Diego is also coming off a really good game, a shutout of AFC West rival Kansas City this past Sunday. The Chargers, though, were going up against a Chiefs roster that lacked starting quarterback Matt Cassel. Anyone in the NFL would look good against Kansas City backup quarterback Brodie Croyle. The challenge for the Chargers is on defense in this game. San Diego needs to squelch Alex Smith’s confidence and apply fierce pressure to the newly-confident 49er signal caller. If Smith gets a comfort zone, San Francisco can thrive. It’s up to the Chargers’ front seven to take the Niners’ offense out of rhythm.

NFL Sportsbook Handicapping: Outlook & Pick

San Diego will indeed bother Smith, who will throw at least two interceptions. Both of these teams have been maddeningly inconsistent throughout 2010, but the 49ers have clearly been worse. San Diego, at home, should definitely deliver a decisive thumping to San Francisco.

NFL Sportsbook Pick: Chargers -9