The San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders open their preseasons against each other Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (NFL Network). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the 49ers vs. Raiders odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
These teams used to meet all the time when both were located in the Bay Area. This is the 1st preseason meeting since Aug. 29, 2021, when the 49ers thumped the Raiders 34-10 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara as a 5.5-point favorite while the Over (36) cashed.
The 49ers and Raiders have been participating in joint practices in Nevada this week. QB Trey Lance will start for the 49ers as QB Brock Purdy is still recovering from the elbow injury he suffered in last season’s playoffs. QB Sam Darnold will also get some snaps
Former 49ers signal caller Jimmy Garoppolo is now the starter in Las Vegas, but he’ll only make a cameo, at best. Veteran backup QB Brian Hoyer also is likely to play little, if at all. Look for backup QBs Chase Garbers and Aidan O’Connell to get the longest looks, as they battle for the 3rd job.
The 49ers ended up winning and covering 2 of 3 preseason games in 2022, while the Under cashed in 2 of those 3 outings, too.
The Raiders played 4 preseason games a season ago with the Hall of Fame game, and Las Vegas was 4-0 against the spread (ATS). The Raiders also scored 23 or more points in 3 of the 4 outings. This organization has taken preseason games seriously in recent years, winning 11 of the past 13 outright.
49ers at Raiders odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:42 a.m. ET
- Moneyline (ML): 49ers -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Raiders +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
- Against the spread (ATS): 49ers -3.5 (-115) | Raiders +3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 36 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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49ers at Raiders picks and predictions
Prediction
49ers 23, Raiders 12
Moneyline
Backing the 49ers (-185) straight up is foolish, as you can’t risk nearly 2 times your potential return on any game, let alone a preseason contest.
While San Francisco has more veterans and/or talented players on the field, particularly under center, AVOID, and look to the spread instead.
Against the spread
49ERS -3.5 (-115) are favored, and they’ll cost you a little extra. It should be worth it, however.
I don’t like the fact that the San Francisco offense will likely be without RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Deebo Samuel, but Lance will be starting out with the offense, while Darnold will also get a long look. The advantage under center is clearly in favor of the 49ers, as the Raiders will have the likes of Garbers and O’Connell playing a majority of the snaps.
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Over/Under
UNDER 36 (-110) is the lean in this preseason opener, as I just don’t trust the young signal callers for the Raiders, TE Darren Waller is now elsewhere, WR Davante Adams likely won’t play and RB Josh Jacobs is away from the team holding out. The Raiders offense should be rather disjointed, resulting in very few points.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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