The mood changes during the second week of the NFL preseason. Players are just getting loose, rookies are getting used to the pace, and veterans are getting over their rust in week one, which is like dipping your toes into the pool. However, Week 2? Things begin to make sense at that point. Players want to secure roster places, coaches want better performance, and what about last week’s errors? They can’t happen again.
That’s the backdrop for Saturday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders meet for the third straight preseason. The history here is already spicy: The Raiders rolled 34-7 in 2023, and the two teams battled to a 24-24 tie last year. This time, both squads enter Week 2 needing a sharper showing than their preseason openers.
After a 23-23 draw in Seattle, the Raiders are coming off a game with promising moments and many “still needs work” moments. 49ers lost to Denver 30-9 at home when the defense failed to generate stops when it counted and the offense never really got going.
San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders: Everything to Know
Game Details:
- Date: Saturday, August 16
- Time: 1:00 p.m. MST
- Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
How to Watch:
- San Francisco Broadcast: KPIX 5, CW Bay Area
- 49ers Radio: KGO 810 AM, The Bone 107.7 FM
- Las Vegas Broadcast: KVVU Fox5 Vegas
- Raiders Radio: RNR 920 AM
Betting Line:
- Spread: Raiders -5.5
- Total Points: O/U 40.5
- Moneyline: 49ers +200, Raiders -240
What To Expect From Both Teams in 2025
While this game won’t count in the standings, both franchises are in rebuild-or-rebound mode after tough 2024 seasons. The 49ers limped to a 6-10 finish thanks to injuries and defensive woes, while the Raiders went 4-13 and hit the reset button on the entire coaching staff.
That reset brought Pete Carroll as head coach, someone with experience and respect. The team traded for quarterback Geno Smith, giving them a veteran leader to steady the huddle. Rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, a first-round pick, looks poised to be the heartbeat of a run-heavy system. At the same time, second-round receiver Jack Bech joins tight end Brock Bowers and wideout Jakobi Meyers as part of a versatile pass-catching group.
Pete Carroll shows off his tackling technique at Raiders practice.
🎥: By @Sean_Zittel, Vegas Sports Today#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/n6eZnBCpGt
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) August 12, 2025
On the other sideline, 49ers’ optimism for 2025 comes from a loaded roster, a favorable schedule, and a healthy Christian McCaffrey. Defensive stars Nick Bosa anchor the pass rush, and rookie nickel corner Upton Stout has been one of the camp standouts.
But there are still questions at wide receiver with Brandon Aiyuk nursing an injury and Jauan Jennings’ contract talks dragging on. Kyle Shanahan says Aiyuk should return by Week 6, but the depth chart will be tested.
