49ers vs. Raiders Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 2 Odds, Prediction
The Raiders eked out a 23-23 tie in Seattle in last week’s preseason opener to drop to 0-3-2 in their past five August contests. The 49ers have not done much better, with last week’s lopsided home 30-9 loss to Denver marking their fifth defeat in their past eight NFL preseason games.
The Raiders have vaulted to somewhat lofty 4.5-point favourites on the NFL preseason Week 2 odds. The Niners travel to Sin City pegged as +170 underdogs on the NFL moneyline, and the total is listed at 40.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Saturday afternoon’s clash marks the fourth time these teams have met in preseason action since 2021. These squads played to a 24-24 tie in Las Vegas a year ago, lifting the Niners to 4-1-1 in six head-to-head August meetings since 2008. However, the 49ers have otherwise struggled in the preseason, posting just two wins in their past eight contests and have averaged just 12.3 points per game while going 1-1-1 in their past three on the road.
The Raiders have now settled for ties in each of their past three preseason matchups and have struggled to shut down opposing offences, allowing 25.8 points per game during their current 0-3-2 run. Not surprisingly, the Raiders have also been a shaky bet in the month of August, covering just once in their past five games, but have gone 6-1 ATS in preseason home games since the franchise relocated from Oakland in 2020.
San Francisco 49ers
In the wake of the squad’s disappointing performance in last week’s 30-9 loss to Denver, Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan hinted this week that several starters could see action on Saturday afternoon. When asked directly during a media scrum, Shanahan stated he would “like Brock to play”, which could open the door to several other starters to see at least some limited action including the likes of George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and Christian McCaffrey.
One of the factors impacting Shanahan’s decision is a growing number of injuries. In addition to receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is expected to be sidelined until at least October, Niners players visiting the clinic include receivers Jauan Jennings and Jordan Watkins. The 49ers defence has not been spared, with Mykel Williams, Upton Stout, Kevin Givens, and Jordan Elliott among players battling ailments.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are also looking likely to get more of their starters into action on Saturday night. Aidan O’Connell did most of the work under centre in last week’s loss, completing 18 of 30 pass attempts for 205 yards and one score, but also tossed one pick, while starter Geno Smith saw limited action.
Smith is likely to take the most snaps on Saturday, and has spent his week singing the praises of rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. The Heisman Trophy finalist and top college football rusher in the nation last season was limited to just three carries and -1 yards in his preseason debut but was a standout in joint practices this week, highlighted by a 72-yard scoring run on Thursday.
And with Smith still working on developing chemistry with a new corps of receivers, don’t be surprised to see the likes of Brock Bowers, Tre Tucker, Dont’e Thornton, Jakobi Meyers, Michael Mayer and Jack Bech in the lineup.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win 49ers vs. Raiders?
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