49ers vs Raiders Game Analysis: Run Raiders Run
The San Francisco 49ers head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders in the final game of the preseason. Kickoff is at 8:00 pm ET with us at PayPerHead.
Brock Purdy saw reps in the second preseason game and will likely sit out this game with most of the other starters. The depth and reserves get their final auditions in the last preseason game.
The Raiders have run the ball well in this preseason series so far and will probably continue to do so on Thursday, testing San Francisco’s defense.
San Francisco 49ers Recent Updates: Chargers Destroyers
The 49ers had a dismal 2024, posting a 6-11 record and floundering at the bottom of the NFC West. They improved in their 2025 season, going 12-5, but only edged up to third place in their division.
That got them to the wild card round, though, where they upset the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. In the Divisional Round, the Seattle Seahawks blew them out 41-6, ending their 2025 season.
After losing Game 1 of the preseason to the Titans 13-19, the 49ers demolished the Chargers 41-17 in Game 2. All three quarterbacks took reps.
Las Vegas Raiders Recent Updates: Raiders Rally
Klint Kubiak is the Raiders’ new head coach this season, becoming the fourth head coach in four seasons. They finished last in the NFL, which gave them the first overall draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They secured quarterback Fernando Mendoza to help them climb out of the basement, and hopefully more, in 2026.
Mendoza looked good in Game 1 but threw an early interception in Game 2, putting the team in a 14-0 hole. They rallied back to win 22-20 with the help of a 1-yard plunge touchdown by QB Aidan O’Connell in the last 14 seconds.
49ers vs Raiders History and Last Results
These teams play about every four years. Their last game was on New Year’s Day, 2023, when the 49ers won a close one, 37-34.
After this final preseason game, the two teams will meet again on November 8 in California.
49ers vs Raiders Prediction: Australia on My Mind
Las Vegas isn’t as far along in their decision-making. Kirk Cousins will probably get the starting job, so both Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell will probably play Thursday to see who will take the backup QB position.
Running back Kaelon Black of the 49ers took advantage of the injuries piling up and got more playing time in. Jordan James will likely see time in Game 3 as he’ll be competing with Black for the backup role behind Christian McCaffrey.
The 49ers continue to deal with injuries, with several missing practices, such as Mike Evans. There is positive news, as several players are close to recovery, including George Kittle (Achilles), Christian McCaffrey, and Nick Bosa (knee tendinitis post-ACL).
Since the 49ers will play their regular season opener in Australia, it will limit their practice and recovery time. So expect the coaching staff to focus on evaluating depth for this game and to let the starters rest.
The Raiders are the slight home favorites even though the 49ers’ backups did so well against the Chargers in Week 2.
Our 49ers vs Raiders prediction is a close game, with the Raiders prevailing 20-17. Remember that you can follow us on our social media accounts to stay tuned for this NFL season.
