Analysis and Predictions for San Francisco 49ers vs Las Vegas Raiders Preseason Week 3 Matchup

Analysis and Predictions for San Francisco 49ers vs Las Vegas Raiders Preseason Week 3 Matchup
San Francisco 49ers

Aug 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Tanner Mordecai (4) looks to throw a pass against the New Orleans Saints in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

  • The final week of the preseason is here! The Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers play their third and final game on Friday night at 10 p.m. on NFL Network. 
  • The 49ers are expected to play QB Brock Purdy and starters for one final tune up. The Raiders will rest starters Friday night according to HC Antonio Pierce. 
  • Keep scrolling for a further look at the latest odds, best picks and a prediction for Friday’s preseason tilt.

San Francisco 49ers (1-1) starters will take the field Friday night for their third and final preseason matchup, this time against the Las Vergas Raiders (0-2). The game is to be played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and kick is set for 10 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

Coaches and GMs will get their final chance to see what their players can do at full speed against outside competition. A few roster spots are still being finalized, so tonight could make or break a players’ shot to crack the 53-man roster.

Keep scrolling for a look at the odds for Raiders vs. 49ers, as well as a prediction and a few players of interest for tonight’s game.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers Prediction

  • 49ers -7.5 (-105)

This should be a fairly easy choice, but thanks to the 49ers’ preseason struggles offensively it really wasn’t. Still, I’m going with the away team this time around because they are playing starters and the Raiders are not. Brock Purdy and the Niners, one of the best starting lineups in the league, should destroy a Raiders 2nd team early.

Hell, I’d take the 49ers’ 2nd team over the Raiders’ 2nd team, too. Josh Dobbs is a fringe starting NFL quarterback in his own right (but then again, so is Aidan O’Connell) and shouldn’t lose much of a step once Purdy is out of the game.

On top of that, the Raiders defense has really struggled through Weeks 1 and 2. I don’t see the Raiders winning, but I could see them covering the spread. 49ers -325 isn’t worth it, so I’ll trust in the Niners starters to bring home an 8+ point victory.

49ers 21, Raiders 10

Raiders vs. 49ers Odds (Fanatics)

Team Spread Moneyline Total
San Francisco 49ers -7.5 (-105) -325 O 32.5 (-105)
Las Vegas Raiders +7.5 (-115) +250 U 35.5 (-115)

Odds above via Fanatics Sportsbook. Check out our Fanatics sports betting promos for a look at one of the best welcome offers in the business. 

The 49ers, thanks to the fact they’re playing starters tonight, are touchdown favorites (-7.5, -105) for Week 3 in Las Vegas. San Francisco is -325 to win outright while Las Vegas is +250 to defend home turf and win outright.

The Over/Under for this game has been set at 32.5, which is among the lowest on Week 3’s slate. For reference, the Raiders are averaging 17.5 points per game so far this preseason while the 49ers are averaging 14.5.

Raiders vs. 49ers Names to Watch

  • Josh Dobbs, 49ers QB
  • Aidan O’Connell, Raiders QB
  • DJ Turner, Raiders WR

Is Josh Dobbs the best backup quarterback in the NFL right now? A veteran, shifty leader with starting experience that has shown he can operate well in the Niners’ system. Dobbs should be into this game by the 2nd quarter – I can’t imagine the 49ers risking Purdy’s health out there too long after plenty of people bemoaned his minutes last week.

QB No. 2 in this matchup, O’Connell will play for a lot of this game. The Raiders already announced that Gardner Minshew is the starter moving forward, much to the dismay of some fans. It’s clear to see why – O’Connell has legitimate promise at the position, and he’s played very well through Weeks 1 and 2. Let’s see what he can do against the Niners Friday night.

Turner has been a bright spot on the Raiders’ offense these past few weeks. The 3rd year receiver out of Pitt has hauled in 7 receptions for 54 yards and 1 touchdown through 2 games, and he’s sure to add to that total tonight. I don’t see a world where he misses the 53-man roster.

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The San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders are set to face off in a highly anticipated preseason Week 3 matchup. Both teams are coming off strong performances in their previous games and will be looking to continue their momentum heading into the regular season.

The 49ers have been impressive so far this preseason, with standout performances from their young players. Quarterback Trey Lance has shown flashes of his potential, showcasing his strong arm and mobility. Running back Trey Sermon has also been a bright spot for the 49ers, displaying his ability to break tackles and make big plays.

On the defensive side of the ball, the 49ers have been stout, holding their opponents to minimal points and yards. Linebacker Fred Warner has been a force to be reckoned with, making key tackles and disrupting opposing offenses.

The Raiders, on the other hand, have also had a solid preseason showing. Quarterback Derek Carr has been efficient and effective, connecting with his receivers and moving the ball down the field. Running back Josh Jacobs has been a workhorse for the Raiders, grinding out tough yards and finding the end zone.

Defensively, the Raiders have shown improvement from last season, with their secondary making key plays and their front seven generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Linebacker Cory Littleton has been a standout for the Raiders, flying around the field and making plays all over.

In terms of predictions for this matchup, it’s expected to be a close game with both teams fielding strong rosters. The 49ers may have a slight edge due to their depth and talent on both sides of the ball. However, the Raiders have shown they can compete with anyone and should not be counted out.

Ultimately, this game will come down to execution and which team can make the most plays when it matters most. Fans can expect an exciting and competitive matchup between these two teams as they look to fine-tune their rosters before the regular season kicks off.