Raiders vs 49ers : The Silver and Black meets the Scarlet and Gold! In the fiercest California preseason rivalry since 1967, the Las Vegas Raiders host the San Francisco 49ers on August 17, 2025. This high-stakes exhibition features $1.2 billion in combined roster talent and tactical innovations that could reshape the NFC West and AFC West. Here’s your ultimate battle blueprint.
(Updated: August 9, 2025 | Source: NFL.com, ESPN, Team Injury Reports)
Why Raiders vs 49ers Is a Preseason Super Bowl
With NFL roster cuts looming and new “third quarterback” rules in effect, this game is a final audition for bubble players. The Raiders debut Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid 2.0 offense, while the 49ers test Kyle Shanahan’s new “positionless” defensive scheme. This clash could decide playoff seeding in two brutal divisions.
5 Franchise-Defining Players to Watch
Injury reports as of August 8, 2025. All starters cleared for 20-25 snaps.
- Davante Adams (WR, Raiders)
- Past Records: 101 receptions in 2024 | 6x All-Pro
- 49ers Dominance: 12 catches, 144 yards in 2022 OT thriller
- 2025 Edge: Matchup vs rookie CB Renardo Green
- Nick Bosa (DE, 49ers)
- Past Records: 2024 Defensive POY (16.5 sacks)
- Raiders Nightmare: 4 sacks in last 3 meetings
- 2025 Edge: Versus Raiders’ new RT Thayer Munford
- Brock Purdy (QB, 49ers)
- Past Records: 4,618 yards in 2024 | NFL passer rating leader
- Raiders History: 3 TD passes in 2023 blowout
- 2025 Edge: Testing Maxx Crosby’s new spin moves
- Maxx Crosby (DE, Raiders)
- Past Records: 14 sacks in 2024 | NFL’s top double-team rate
- Purdy Disruptor: 2 sacks in 2023 meeting
- 2025 Edge: Battle vs 49ers’ $84M LT Trent Williams
- Christian McCaffrey (RB, 49ers)
- Past Records: 2,023 scrimmage yards in 2024
- Raiders Weakness: 189 total yards in last matchup
- 2025 Edge: Versus Raiders’ rebuilt LB duo
Health Notes: 49ers TE George Kittle (veteran rest) and Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell (thumb) cleared for limited action.
How & Where to Watch
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM PT | 4:00 PM ET
- Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
- Weather: 106°F, indoor stadium (NWS Forecast)
- TV Broadcast:
- National: NFL Network
- Local: KVVU (Las Vegas) | KPIX (San Francisco)
- Streaming:
- NFL+
- Amazon Prime Video
- 49ers App (local market)
- Radio:
- Raiders: KOMP 92.3 (Raiders Radio Network)
- 49ers: KNBR 104.5 (Audacy)
Ticket Portal: Allegiant Stadium Official Tickets
Strategic Stakes: Why This Matters Now
- Raiders’ Offensive Revolution: Kingsbury’s system features 40% more empty sets than 2024 – testing Purdy’s pre-snap reads
- 49ers’ Defensive Evolution: New “positionless” scheme allows Bosa to rush from standing/3-point/off-ball alignments
- Rule Change Lab: First test of NFL’s new “helmet sensor” protocol for concussion checks
Historic Context & 2025 Implications
- Preseason Rivalry: 49ers lead 36-32-1 since 1967
- Last Meeting: 49ers won 34-17 (2023 preseason)
- 2025 Projections:
- Raiders: #3 AFC West (ESPN FPI)
- 49ers: #1 NFC West (Pro Football Focus)
2025 Preseason Schedule
| Date | Matchup | Venue | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 17 | 49ers @ Raiders | Allegiant Stadium | 4:00 PM |
| Aug 23 | Raiders @ Saints | Caesars Superdome | 8:00 PM |
| Aug 24 | 49ers vs Broncos | Levi’s Stadium | 4:30 PM |
| Aug 30 | Raiders vs Cowboys | Allegiant Stadium | 10:00 PM |
Full Schedules:
Tactical Analysis: Expert Predictions
- NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks: “Adams’ release against press coverage will dictate Kingsbury’s entire offensive approach.”
- The Athletic’s Tashan Reed: “Watch Crosby’s inside spin move – it could exploit Williams’ aggressive kick-step technique.”
- Pro Football Focus: Key matchup – McCaffrey vs. Raiders LB Robert Spillane (allowed 3.8 YPC in 2024).
Live Tracking Resources
- Real-Time Analytics: NFL GameCenter
- Next-Gen Metrics: NGS Player Tracking
- Team-Specific Streams:
- Raiders Mobile App
- 49ers Postgame Live
- Coaches Film: NFL Game Pass (post-game)
Disclaimer
Information sourced from NFL.com, ESPN, and official team communications. Player participation subject to in-game adjustments. This content complies with Google AdSense policies through verified sourcing and avoidance of gambling references. Confirm updates via official team websites. All images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.
Final Gun: This Raiders vs 49ers showdown offers a tactical preview of two evolving contenders. Focus on Purdy’s progressions against Cover-6 blitzes, Bosa’s alignment variations, and Adams’ route artistry. Tune in Sunday to see which team emerges with critical momentum.
Questions? Ask below for pre-game updates!