It’s been a decade since these two teams last met in a preseason game, which was back in 2011 and marred by violence.
This may no longer be the battle of the bay but there’s still bad blood between these two teams and any Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers matchup will be exciting. Combine that history with the threat of roster cuts and a 49ers QB battle, and this game suddenly looks like it could be a real highlight of the weekend.
Here are our free NFL picks and predictions for Raiders and 49ers on Sunday, August 29.
Raiders vs 49ers game info
• Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
• Date: Sunday, August 29, 2021
• Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
• TV: NFL Network
Raiders vs 49ers odds
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Raiders at 49ers betting preview
Weather
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Key injuries
Raiders: Darron Lee LB (Out), Nevin Lawson CB (Out).
49ers: Mychal Kendricks LB (Out), Maurice Hurst DL (Out), Jeff Wilson Jr. RB (Out), Nick Bosa DL (Out), Justin Skule OL (Out).
Find our latest NFL injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Over is 4-0 in the Raiders past 4 games on grass. Find more NFL betting trends for Raiders vs. 49ers.
Against the spread (ATS) pick
It’s been a good preseason for both of these teams. The Niners are 1-1, with a win over the Chargers and a loss against the Chiefs, while the Raiders have beaten both the Seahawks and Rams.
The Raiders have looked very good throughout camp and preseason. Hunter Renfrow, in particular, is a real bright point in the slot. Renfrow is primed for a big 2021 and he looked like a real star in Las Vegas' last preseason game against Jalen Ramsey and the Rams.
One thing that looks hugely improved from last year is the Raiders' defense. They managed to hold the Seahawks and Rams, two high-powered offenses, to just 7 and 16 points, respectively. The new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, formerly head coach of the Jags, has been a real boost. Bradley’s scheme is getting the most from their defensive talent and they, at least so far, appear to have stopped giving up big plays, something they suffered from regularly last season.
It’s actually a former member of the Raiders defense, Maurice Hurst, who has been one of the Niners' best players in camp. Hurst is a seriously good player and it already looks like a huge mistake from the Raiders to let him leave. Their loss is the Niners' gain, as Kyle Shanahan has added a pass-rushing monster to a defense that was already among the best in the league.
We’re likely to see Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance continue their QB battle in this game, with the former Patriot still listed as the team's starter for now. It’s a matter of when the change is made, not if, but it’s not yet clear when Shanahan will give his first-round pick the keys to the offense.
The 49ers are the better team, they’re better coached, and they have a better roster. But this isn’t the regular season and they do still have injuries. Taking +4.5 points on a Raiders team that has looked defensively sound and with a head coach in Jon Gruden, who takes every game seriously, seems like the play here.
PREDICTION: Raiders +4.5 (-110)
Over/Under pick
There’s a lot to look forward to in this game and I’m expecting to see some really fun offensive football. We know what the 49ers can offer, as Shanahan is a genius and has the ability to develop a plan to take apart what’s been a very impressive Raiders defense. San Francisco’s QB battle will see both players get reps and opportunities, which should help them put up some touchdowns.
The Raiders, meanwhile, are perhaps even more interesting. We’re likely to see Marcus Mariota get a chance to shine behind this improved Raiders offensive line. Mariota only had one start during last year, his first with the Raiders, and he was brilliant. He’ll still believe that he’s capable of being a starting quarterback in this league and a good performance here could put him on the radar of some other teams in the league.
Both of these teams have been impressive in the preseason and I expect that to continue in this game. The rivalry and talent on the field will see this total being smashed. Take the Over all day.
PREDICTION: Over 35.5 (-110)
Raiders vs 49ers betting card
- Raiders +4.5 (-110)
- Over 35.5 (-110)
Picks made on 8/28/2021 at 8:33 a.m. ET
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