Week 1 of the NFL preseason will conclude Sunday, with the Las Vegas Raiders hosting the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium (4 p.m. ET, NFL Network). As is usually the case, both teams must be careful with their most prized investments. So expect to see many third- and fourth-teamers battling it out for jobs.
Read on as we break down the odds for the 49ers vs Raiders preseason opener.
49ers vs Raiders Odds
NFL odds used for this San Francisco vs Las Vegas preview were found at DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Aug. 4 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: 49ers (-180) • Raiders (+150)
- Spread: 49ers -3.5 (-110) • Raiders +3.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 37.5 (-110) • Under 37.5 (-110)
- Implied Score: 49ers 20.5, Raiders 17
49ers vs Raiders Predictions
Score Pick: 49ers 21, Raiders 16
Jimmy Garoppolo is unlikely to play this week and could sit out the entire preseason for Las Vegas. After missing all of OTAs and minicamp because of a broken left foot, the oft-injured quarterback is being brought along slowly. This means we may see a whole lot of rookie Aidan O’Connell and Chase Garbers, the third- and fourth-stringers behind veteran backup Brian Hoyer.
The Raiders have won six of their last seven preseason games, including all four last summer under head coach Josh McDaniels. Is that a bit coincidental? Sure. But it’s worth noting, even as the results tend to fluctuate wildly this time of year.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco’s presumed starter, may not play either. He’s been handled with kid’s gloves following offseason elbow surgery. While Purdy is still taking the majority of first-team reps, he’s yet to participate in more than two consecutive practices. As such, Trey Lance, Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen should get most of the snaps.
The 49ers are 4-2 over the last two summers. I’ll side with the deeper quarterback room in this preseason opener.
49ers vs Raiders Best Bets & Props
Under 37.5 Points (-110)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Defenses are typically ahead of offenses early in the summer, leading to fewer points being scored. Since 2010, totals higher than 37 have gone Under 56.9% (512-387) of the time.
Garappolo won’t play, and likely neither will a majority of Las Vegas’ other starters, including running back Josh Jacobs, who is holding out after failed contract talks, and wide receiver Davante Adams. McDaniels, remember, has played it conservatively in the preseason. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan will likely take a similar approach.
Consider also that the 49ers have gone Under the total in their last seven preseason games. I’m sticking with that trend in our NFL bet of the day.
49ers Under 20.5 Points (-120)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
The Raiders have held opponents to a meager 8.7 points over their last six preseason home games. Should San Francisco exceed that total? Sure. But it’s safe to assume Shanahan won’t be pulling out all the stops offensively. Remember, the 49ers averaged just 15 points per game last summer.
With the 49ers prioritizing health over substance, I’m taking them to hit their projected Under.
49ers Win by 1-6 Points (+300)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
Preseason games tend to be reasonably tight. More than a third of last year’s contests were decided by six points or fewer. It makes sense, given that winning is a secondary concern in the summer. I’m siding with San Francisco in a close one.
49ers vs Raiders Same Game Parlay
There are currently no 49ers vs Raiders parlays being offered.
