Raiders vs 49ers Preseason Highlights: Key Takeaways

Special teams decided the night

The preseason crowd in Las Vegas saw a dramatic finish that matched the mood of a rivalry. The Raiders vs 49ers matchup turned on field position, operation time, and a long kick at the horn. Las Vegas stacked steady drives but settled for attempts, while San Francisco answered with its own composed kicking unit. Therefore, hidden yards swung leverage across four quarters and created the stage for a single, deciding strike.

Offense found situational rhythm

Las Vegas opened on schedule and mixed quick-game throws with downhill runs to control tempo. The line generated enough movement to convert short yardage, and the backs finished runs through contact. However, stalled red-zone trips left points on the table and kept the script tight late. On the other sideline, San Francisco rotated personnel to test packages, yet the structure remained crisp, which sustained chains and bled clock when it mattered. In this Raiders vs 49ers setting, every third-down call carried outsized weight.

Defense delivered teachable tape

The Raiders tightened inside the 20 and forced multiple attempts, which preserved a narrow lead for much of the night. Meanwhile, San Francisco rallied to the football, limited yards after contact, and contested catch points on the boundary. Moreover, both fronts traded series wins that produced a physical interior battle likely to translate when starters ramp up. Because those stops accumulated, the endgame hinged on one short field created by a late takeaway and a clean special-teams operation. The Raiders vs 49ers film will emphasize tackling angles, red-zone spacing, and late-half mechanics.

Depth battles and next steps

Preseason is about roles, and several depth pieces moved the needle. Las Vegas cleaned up penalties from the opener, communicated substitutions more smoothly, and showed a reliable snap-to-kick process. Conversely, San Francisco’s reserve groups handled pressure snaps with poise and secured the final setup. Consequently, coaches on both staffs will grade these reps heavily as cuts approach. Next, Las Vegas turns to the finale with a clear checklist: finish drives, win more early downs, and protect the ball in two-minute. San Francisco carries fresh confidence in its specialists and situational installs. The rivalry energy remains, and September will magnify the lessons from Raiders vs 49ers.