The patina from the rivalry between these two teams isn't as appealing as it once was, but there are a couple sub-plots that could make this a classic. The new Raiders HC is the brother of the 49ers OC and was the architect of the Seahawks 41 points in the 49ers Divisional Playoff loss in 2025. Raiders Kirk Cousins is the quarterback Kyle wanted over Mahomes having worked with him when he was drafted by his dad for the Redskins in Round 4 2012. 14 years later Cousins looks great in their system, and one has to wonder how many Super Bowls he'd have won if Shanahan had been able to get him.
4i/5t Malcolm Koonce is a liability against the run when the Raiders ends have to reduce inside and is likely why the Raiders are one of the worst teams in football against 13 personnel. I'm expecting a feisty game, but the Raiders secondary is bad enough it could make Cowing look like an All-Pro too:
Passing plays that gain 10+ yards:
49ers offense: 32%, #3 in NFL
All offenses vs the Raiders: 31%, #1 most in NFL
Prediction:
•Brock Purdy: 250 passing yards, 3 TD
passes
•Christian McCaffrey: 120 scrimmage yards, 1
TD
•Kaelon Black: 50 rushing yards
•Demarcus Robinson: 80 receiving yards, 1 TD
•George Kittle: 65 receiving yards, 2 TDs
•Mykel Williams: 1 sack
•Deommodore Lenoir: 1 INT
34-20 San Francisco!
49ers inactives:
WR Mike Evans
WR Deebo Samuel
QB Kurtis Rourke
OT Enrique Cruz
LB Tatum Bethune
DL Khalid Kareem
Really looking forward to seeing Buckner and the new D line.
ReplyDeleteShould be must see TV!
DeleteI have to listen to it on the radio. Blacked out here because I live in Seahawk territory. Will watch it later tonight on NFL+. When I listen to it on the radio it often reminds me of my youth and the days of the transistor radio.
DeleteI grew up listening to Lon Simmons along with Bob Fouts/Russ Hodges/Gordie Soltau and Hugh McElhenny back when all home games were blacked out. I have great memories of the first 49ers/Raiders game in 1970. It was the last game of the year and the 9ers needed a win to go to the playoffs. The game was blacked out in the entire Bay Area. Our cable company in Santa Rosa used to pick up the CBS feed from Chico so we were the only city in the Bay Area who could see the game. My Dads family (13 brothers and sisters along with about 40 cousins) were spread through out the whole area. They all ended up at our house to watch the game and have a huge Irish/Italian dinner afterwards. We had 3 TVs in 3 different rooms it was one of my greatest memories and the 1970 season will always be my favorite season of all time. Even better than any of the SB seasons.
DeleteI'm expecting nothing less than a blow out.
ReplyDeleteWe are coming off our bye week and Raiders just went to the East coast last week. Go Niners 35-13!
Under - You can watch all games on streameast. Servers are in Europe...if you don't want to monetize NFL or streaming networks, this is a good option. There will be a slight delay and you might have to click and close a few ads windows before you get to the stream, but it is a good option if you are blacked out.
Thanks Mug, I will give it a try.
DeleteStream east is still going? I used them a few years ago but I thought they were shut down. I watch all the games on NFL + but sometimes it’s hard going through the day without finding out the score.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling SF wins this one fairly comfortably... even if the Raiders will keep it close for a half but I'm usually wrong about these things.
ReplyDeleteKubiak would be wise to dink n dunk down the field, I think- 49ers should score 30 even w/out some of the WR's
ReplyDelete