Updated: Aug. 20, 2026, 4:45 p.m.|Published: Aug. 20, 2026, 4:45 p.m.
A Los Angeles Chargers fan cheers during the first half of an NFL football game between the Chargers and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)APSet as Google Preferred Source
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Two teams looking to build momentum ahead of the regular season meet Thursday night when the San Francisco 49ers travel south to face the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The Chargers opened the preseason with an impressive 27-7 win over Houston, while the 49ers are seeking their first exhibition victory after falling to Tennessee in Week 1. The kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, at 7 p.m. PT /10 p.m. ET (8 p.m. MT) with a live broadcast on NFL Network and is streaming live on demand.
Is the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Chargers game on TV tonight, or streaming only? What time does it start?
TV Channel: NFL Network
When: Thursday, August 20, at 7 p.m. PT /10 p.m. ET (8 p.m. MT)
Where: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA
How to watch without cable: There are several options for watching this game and other NFL games this season.
You can also watch this NFL game live for FREE with DirecTV (free trial). DIRECTV is offering new promotional pricing on all plans.
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DIRECTV Free TrialDISH has a variety of subscription options to fit your programming needs. The America’s Top 200 and America’s Top 250 plans are eligible for $250 in savings right now through August 12, 2026.
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DISH NetworkYou can watch this NFL game on Fubo. Fubo is currently offering a free trial and has recently added NBC networks back to its lineup.
Fubo
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FuboIf you are all out of free trials or just need a streaming service to watch sports, Sling is the cheapest way to watch select NFL games this season (costs just $23 for the first month).Three things to watch in the 49ers vs. Chargers game tonight:Can the Chargers build on their strong opener? Los Angeles turned heads with a 27-7 victory over Houston in its first preseason game and will look to carry that momentum into another test against an NFC opponent. How does San Francisco respond? The 49ers opened the preseason with a 19-13 loss to Tennessee and will be aiming for a sharper all-around performance in their second exhibition contest.A measuring stick for two playoff hopefuls. While preseason results are secondary, both organizations enter 2026 with postseason aspirations, making this a useful benchmark as preparations for September continue. Get promo codes, signup deals, and free bets from our Oregon Betting News home page.
John’s focus is on helping readers find ways to watch live sports and experience them in person. John is a passionate sports fan and a native Oregonian who has past experience working in sports, retail and the… more