Chargers' defense should hold off 49ers

49ERS (5-8) at CHARGERS (7-6)

Line: Chargers by 9

Over/Under: 44 1/2

TV-Radio: NFL Network, WFAN (660) joined in progress, 8:20 p.m.

Teams and rosters can change drastically from year to year in the NFL. Still, San Diego has been as good in December recently as your holiday office party has been bad (and lame). True, the Chargers lost Dec. 5 against Oakland, but they are still 19-1 in Decembers dating to 2006, including 14-1 under Norv Turner. The Bolts may have to win their final three games to claim the AFC West. Incredibly (or sadly), the Niners are also just a game out of first in their division, the laughable NFC West. QB Alex Smith sparked the Niners last week, but that won't be enough against the Bolts' No. 1-ranked defense. The pick: Chargers

STAFF PICKS

Tom Rock: Chargers

Bob Glauber: Chargers

Roderick Boone: Chargers