Raiders vs 49ers | NFL Preseason Week 2 – August 16, 2025
The NFL preseason is rolling into Week 2, and football fans are set for an exciting West Coast showdown on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The Las Vegas Raiders will host the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM ET. Fans can catch the action live on FuboTV and Ticketsmaster.
Though preseason matchups don’t count toward the standings, they are essential for player evaluation, scheme testing, and building team chemistry. The Raiders and 49ers share a history as old AFC–NFC rivals from their days in California, which always adds extra intensity, even in an exhibition game.
Game Information
- Matchup: Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
- TV Broadcast & Streaming: FuboTV (Live Stream)
Las Vegas Raiders – Preseason Outlook
The Raiders enter their second preseason game with optimism surrounding their young roster. Head coach Antonio Pierce, now in his first full season, is aiming to build a tough, disciplined team. The focus in the preseason is less about winning games and more about evaluating players who can contribute in meaningful ways when the regular season begins.
In Week 1 of the preseason, Las Vegas displayed flashes of potential—especially from its young defensive players. The pass rush looked aggressive, and the secondary showed improvement in coverage communication. On offense, the team is still evaluating its quarterback depth and looking for consistent production in the run game.
Key areas of focus for the Raiders:
- Quarterback Competition: Determining the backup and evaluating development behind the starter.
- Offensive Line Depth: Finding reliable rotational players to protect the QB and open lanes for the run game.
- Defensive Cohesion: Keeping up pressure on opposing quarterbacks while preventing big plays in the secondary.
San Francisco 49ers – Preseason Outlook
The 49ers, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan, are once again considered among the league’s most complete teams heading into the 2025 season. Preseason is an important opportunity for San Francisco to get extended looks at second- and third-string players while preserving their elite starters for the regular season grind.
In their first preseason game, San Francisco rotated heavily at quarterback and gave valuable snaps to rookie running backs. The defense—known for its physicality—remained solid, particularly in run defense and edge pressure.
Key areas of focus for the 49ers:
- Backup QB Efficiency: Ensuring the team has reliable insurance behind Brock Purdy.
- Receiver Depth: Evaluating players competing for the WR3 and WR4 spots.
- Defensive Line Rotation: Testing combinations for maximum pass rush and run-stopping ability.
What to Expect in the Game
Preseason Week 2 typically allows starters a bit more playing time than Week 1, but the emphasis will still be on evaluating depth. For both the Raiders and 49ers, the second and third quarters will likely feature extensive playing time for young players and roster hopefuls.
Possible game flow:
- First Quarter: Starters get one or two series to set the tone.
- Second Quarter: Increased reps for backup quarterbacks and young receivers.
- Second Half: Heavy rotation of defensive players battling for roster spots.
Matchup Breakdown
Offense
The Raiders are likely to mix in quick passing plays and short runs to test San Francisco’s linebackers and secondary. A focus will be on protecting the quarterback, especially against the 49ers’ disruptive pass rush.
The 49ers will use a balanced offensive approach. Expect Shanahan to test the Raiders’ run defense with creative rushing schemes while also giving quarterbacks a chance to make reads against a disciplined secondary.
Defense
Las Vegas will aim to pressure the quarterback early, hoping to disrupt the timing of San Francisco’s offense. The defensive front will need to be disciplined against the 49ers’ misdirection-heavy rushing attack.
San Francisco’s defense will challenge the Raiders’ offensive line, looking to collapse the pocket and force quick throws. Their linebackers will also play a key role in limiting running back yardage.
Players to Watch
Las Vegas Raiders:
- Aidan O’Connell (QB): Young signal-caller looking to prove himself in extended snaps.
- Zamir White (RB): Physical runner who could see significant preseason carries.
- Maxx Crosby (DE): Even in limited preseason snaps, his intensity can set the tone.
San Francisco 49ers:
- Sam Darnold (QB): Veteran quarterback aiming to secure the backup role.
- Jordan Mason (RB): Depth back with the potential to be a key contributor.
- Drake Jackson (EDGE): Emerging pass rusher competing for more playing time.
Coaching Strategies
Antonio Pierce will emphasize physical play and discipline, looking to see which players respond well under pressure. Expect the Raiders to run situational plays that simulate real-game scenarios.
Kyle Shanahan will likely focus on execution and timing, particularly in the passing game. Defensively, the 49ers may blitz more often in the second half to test the Raiders’ backup offensive line.
Prediction
Preseason scores are often unpredictable due to the constant rotation of players, but both teams have talented depth. The Raiders will benefit from home-field energy at Allegiant Stadium, but the 49ers’ overall roster strength could tilt the outcome.
Projected Outcome: 49ers 23 – Raiders 20
The Raiders vs. 49ers Week 2 preseason matchup is more than just a mid-August exhibition—it’s a crucial stepping stone for players fighting to make the final 53-man roster. For Las Vegas, it’s about solidifying their identity under Antonio Pierce and finding contributors beyond their starters. For San Francisco, it’s a chance to keep their high expectations on track while building depth for another potential championship run.
For fans tuning in on FuboTV, Saturday’s 1:00 PM ET kickoff promises a mix of competition, evaluation, and the kind of West Coast rivalry spirit that makes even preseason football worth watching.
