Who The Guy?
Nick Bosa is the odds-on favorite to win the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year award after notching 17.5 sacks through Week 16. The energetic pass rusher is a superb technician with a series of "wax on, wax off" maneuvers that would make Mr. Miyagi proud. With few edge blockers capable of slowing down the relentless defender, the Raiders must have a plan to deal with No. 97 on critical downs.
Know His Name
Christian McCaffrey is the 49ers' most dangerous offensive weapon as a runner-receiver with outstanding speed, quickness and skills. The sixth-year pro is averaging 104.2 scrimmage yards per game since joining the 49ers at the trade deadline, exhibiting the dynamic playmaking ability that makes him a matchup problem as an RB1/WR2.
Don't Sleep On…
Brandon Aiyuk has stepped up as the 49ers WR1 in Deebo Samuel's absence. The third-year pro is on track to post the first 1,000-yard season of his career as a "catch-and-run" specialist on the perimeter. With the 49ers capable of creating one-on-one matchups in the passing game by featuring run-heavy sets, the Raiders must be aware of Aiyuk's whereabouts, or the crafty playmaker could put up a 100-yard game as a complementary weapon on the outside.
Under Pressure
The 49ers offense has not skipped a beat since Brock Purdy stepped in as the starting quarterback. The former QB3 has shown surprising poise and playmaking ability as a "game manager-plus" at the position. Purdy's ability to run the game according to the script has helped Kyle Shanahan terrorize opponents with creative schemes that keep defenders in conflict on early downs.
Matchup To Watch: Dre Greenlaw vs. Josh Jacobs
The NFL's leading rusher will face a dominant defense spearheaded by a few disruptive defenders on the second level. Greenlaw and his partner (Fred Warner) excel at controlling the tackle-to-tackle box, but each also possess the speed and quickness to run down runners attempting to turn the corner on perimeter runs. With the 49ers intent on forcing the Raiders' new quarterback to win as a passer, the battle between the NFL's top rusher and the dynamic duo will be "must-see TV" this weekend.
Offensive Strategy
The 49ers' creative running game and complementary aerial attack keep defenders in conflict for 60 minutes. The combination of "stretch-bootleg" plays, in particular, puts defenders in a bind when determining whether to chase the ball or sit back in coverage. With a collection of playmakers featuring explosive running skills, the scheme and personnel create problems for opponents attempting to match up with an offense that is simple in design but complex in appearance.
Defensive Strategy
Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans has crafted a scheme that features an assortment of blitzes, simulated pressures and traditional coverage to complement a four-man rush scheme that overwhelms opponents due to the 49ers' frontline talent. The combination of pre-snap disguises and constant movement keeps quarterbacks and playcallers guessing when attempting to decipher the 49ers' tactics. With Jarrett Stidham poised to make his first NFL start, the 49ers defense could look like a fun mirror at the circus by the end of the game.
As the Raiders prepare for preseason Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium, view past matchups between the two teams.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Rodger Bird (21) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Kezar Stadium, Sunday, September 1, 1968, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders placeholder Ken Stabler (12) and kicker George Blanda (16) during the regular season away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Sunday, October 27, 1974, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch (21) during the regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 4, 1979, in Oakland, Calif.
Los Angeles defensive end/ defensive tackle Dave Browning (73) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 14, 1982, in San Francisco, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders wide receiver Dokie Williams (85) during the regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 22, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back running back Frank Hawkins (27) during the regular season home game against the San Fransisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 22, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Sunday, August 10, 1986, in San Francisco, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders cornerback Stefon Adams (44) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 15, 1987, in Los Angeles, Calif.
The Los Angeles Raiders line up before the snap during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 6, 1988, in San Francisco, Calif.
The Los Angeles Raiders line up before the snap during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Saturday, August 11, 1990, in Los Angles, Calif.
The Los Angeles Raiders special teams during the regular season home game against the San Fransisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 29, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Nick Bell (38) during the regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 29, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Nick Bell (38) during the regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, September 29, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive tackle Chester McGlockton (91) and defensive end Scott Davis (70) during the regular season away game against the San Fransisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Monday, September 5, 1994, in San Fransisco, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) during the regular season away game against the San Fransisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Monday, September 5, 1994, in San Fransisco, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Napoleon McCallum (41) during the regular season away game against the San Fransisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Monday, September 5, 1994, in San Fransisco 49ers, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Rison (80) during the regular season away game against the San Fransisco 49ers at 3Com Park at Candlestick Point, Sunday, October 8, 2000, in San Fransisco , Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver James Jett (82), running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) and fullback Zack Crockett (32) during the regular season away game against the San Fransisco 49ers at 3Com Park at Candlestick Point, Sunday, October 8, 2000, in San Fransisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver James Jett (82), running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) and fullback Zack Crockett (32) during the regular season away game against the San Fransisco 49ers at 3Com Park at Candlestick Point, Sunday, October 8, 2000, in San Fransisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12) during the regular season away game against the San Fransisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Sunday, October 8, 2000, in San Fransisco, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season away game against the San Fransisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Sunday, October 8, 2000, in San Fransisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Jon Ritchie (40) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at 3Com Park, Saturday, August 24, 2002, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point, Thursday, August 14, 2003, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive linemen Daniel Nwangwu (61) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point, Thursday, August 14, 2003, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker David Moretti (59) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at San Francisco Stadium at Candlestick Point, Thursday, August 14, 2003, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, August 20, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders offense lines up before the snap during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, August 20, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders center Chris Morris (61) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at McAfee, Sunday, August 20, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison (52) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park, Saturday, August 18, 2007, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders safety Michael Huff (24) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park, Saturday, August 18, 2007, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Dominic Rhodes (33) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park, Saturday, August 18, 2007, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a PAT during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park, Saturday, August 18, 2007, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Oren O'Neal (46) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park, Saturday, August 18, 2007, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Ricky Brown (57) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park, Saturday, August 18, 2007, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Monster Park, Saturday, August 18, 2007, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison (52), defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) and cornerback DeAngelo Hall (23) during the preseason home game against the San Francsico 49ers at McAfee Coliseum, Friday, August 8, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (15) during the preseason home game against the San Francsico 49ers at McAfee Coliseum, Friday, August 8, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Josh Shaw (95) during the preseason home game against the San Francsico 49ers at McAfee Coliseum, Friday, August 8, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (15) returns a punt for a 53-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francsico 49ers at McAfee Coliseum, Friday, August 8, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders offense lines up before the snap during the preseason home game against the San Francsico 49ers at McAfee Coliseum, Friday, August 8, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell (8) hands the ball off to running back Darren McFadden (20) during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Saturday, August 28, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain (55) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders line up before the snap during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Brandon Myers (83) and linebacker Quentin Groves (52) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (77) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders safety Tyvon Branch (33) and cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke (38) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders safety Jerome Boyd (40) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell (8) hands the ball off to running back Michael Bush (29) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Jamie Cumbie (73) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle/end Desmond Bryant (90) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders special teams during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park, Saturday, August 20, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn (72) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 2014, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders special teams during the regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 2014, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (81) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 2014, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 2014, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) during the regular season home game against the San Francisco 49ers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 2014, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Emmanuel Lamur (54) during the regular season away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Thursday, November 1, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) during the regular season away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Thursday, November 1, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) during the regular season away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Thursday, November 1, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) during the regular season away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Thursday, November 1, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback AJ McCarron (2) throws a pass during the regular season away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Thursday, November 1, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dillon Stoner (16) stiff arms the defender during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Sunday, August 29, 2021, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders center Jimmy Morrissey (65) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Sunday, August 29, 2021, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Trey Ragas (36) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Sunday, August 29, 2021, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (61) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Sunday, August 29, 2021, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason away game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, Sunday, August 29, 2021, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (89) runs after making a catch during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, August 13, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) blocks during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, August 13, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Sincere McCormick (47) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown during the preseason home game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, August 13, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
