Trey Lance’s Bay Area return framed a 30-23 Chargers loss to the 49ers as the backup QB battle in Los Angeles remains unsettled. Lance showed flashes of his athleticism but his 5-for-8 for 38 yards produced three punts and no memorable scoring drive against SF’s reserve-heavy defense. San Francisco’s offense relied on patchwork units, Moody’s shaky accuracy sparked kicking chatter, and Demarcus Robinson and Terique Owens flashed as big-play threats for the Niners. Fantasy takeaway: Lance’s path behind Herbert stays thin but real, while SF’s kicking and WR depth create late-summer questions for fantasy rosters.

Herbert’s hold on the top spot is clear, but the Chargers’ hang-time behind him—via Heinicke’s two-drive cameo—keeps a narrow lane open for a mobile QB in mop-up situations. SF’s QB depth charts emphasize Purdy and Darnold; Lance’s night underscores how every preseason outing can tilt roster decisions and Week 1 plans. For fantasy players, monitor Chargers’ practice reports and SF’s kicking competition as August narrows into the regular season.

SF’s Week 2 showcase in Las Vegas offered a sharper read on the 2025 roster hours ahead of Week 1 in Seattle. Purdy opened with a clean, efficient series, but the real spark came from Ricky Pearsall, who looked like a credible option at and beyond the top-three WR tier as the 49ers sort through Aiyuk, Jennings, and Robinson. Kicker Jake Moody recovered from a rocky first half to nail four attempts, including a 59-yarder in a pressure spot, sealing the tie after a late Raiders rally. Rookie Nick Martin piled up tackles and disruption, flashing the athleticism and instincts the 49ers hoped to unlock behind Dee Winters. San Francisco’s depth was on full display, with Carter Bradley directing the second unit and clearing a path for Purdy’s continued progression. The trio of Moody, Pearsall, and Martin provided a blueprint for fantasy managers: clean, high-leverage roles emerging from a crowded camp, while Purdy’s early connection with Pearsall hints at a deeper pass-game ceiling if health and trust solidify. Week 1 in Seattle is looming, and the 49ers sit a little taller, a little more dangerous, with standout depth ready to step in when called.

From a fantasy perspective, Pearsall’s early chemistry with Purdy should raise his Dynasty and best-ball profile as the WR depth chart remains fluid. Moody’s late-season-like clutch performance is a reminder that in-practice accuracy translates to game-action opportunity, albeit with the risk that SF’s kicking situation remains unsettled. Martin’s bounce-back performance underscores the value of edge and inside-linebacker depth on a defense known for rotating get-to-the-ball players. The game also underscored the value of a quarterback room that can survive a one-drive sampler and still leave the starter with ample prep time for Week 1. The blend of youth and veteran steadiness could push SF’s fantasy upside higher as the season approaches.

Baltimore’s Cooper Rush faced his old club in a night that mixed spirited plays with rough edges, as a pass intended for LaJohntay Wester became a 40-yard pick-6 by Andrew Booth. Tampa Bay’s rookies stole headlines: Emeka Egbuka, amid Godwin’s absence, flashed high-target ceiling on a five-yard score from Teddy Bridgewater, and fellow TB rookie Bucky Irving added a 15-yard TD stumble and go. San Francisco’s Jake Moody delivered a 59-yard walk-off, sealing a win, while Beaux Collins connected with Nico Collins on deep connections—props to the Texans for their young pass-catchers. Detroit, Miami, and Cleveland also flashed, from Nico Collins and C.J. Stroud’s early TD hookup to a Browns pick-6 and later clutch plays that could shape fantasy depth charts. Ashton Jeanty’s ground game and first NFL TD added a dash of spark, while Max Crosby and Beaux Limmer offered glimpses of how Week 2 rookies could influence coatings of fantasy value across multiple teams. The night’s thread tied together rookies stepping into larger roles, second-string QBs showing their worth, and veterans anchoring early-season expectations amid a flurry of preseason QB battles and playmaking chances across the league.

San Francisco’s preseason thriller ended with a 49ers comeback win as Jake Moody drilled a 59-yard field goal to beat the Raiders in a wild finish. Purdy connected with Ricky Pearsall on the opening drive for three completions, signaling a potentially explosive connection this season. Purdy’s day gave way to Mac Jones, who steered Las Vegas on a few scoring drives before injuries and a rough edge in special teams shaped the late-game tempo. Moody, who had earlier misses, finally silenced doubters with the game-winner as the 49ers navigated a tense fourth quarter.

Preseason chaos persisted with multiple injuries that capped a noisy night: two running backs were ruled out, and starting right guard Dominick Puni left the field in back-to-back sequences. The kicking duel also stole headlines as Moody bounced back from misses to tie and then win the game, potentially settling the 49ers’ kicking competition as the regular season nears. The night underscored depth-chart questions for both teams and offered a few clear fantasy indicators: Pearsall’s early trust with Purdy, Moody’s late clutch, and rookies like Ashton Jeanty and Jake Tonges flashing upside as supporting pieces while the offense looks to fine-tune for September.