The Las Vegas Raiders fall short to the San Francisco 49ers 18-12 in their final preseason game
The Las Vegas Raiders #15 Fernando Mendoza (QB) is attempting a pass downfield to an open receiver against the San Francisco 49ers’ defense at Allegiant Stadium. This photo is by Arnie Bazemore Fan Shotz August 27, 2026.
LAS VEGAS, NV - The San Francisco 49ers edged out a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders 18-12 at Allegiant in their final preseason game. San Francisco’s Eddy Piñeiro made all six field goal attempts, including 51- and 54-yarders in the final 1:51 for the 49ers. Las Vegas' Matt Gay, who played briefly for San Francisco last season, made 4 of 5 field goals.
Calling the Raiders-49ers game a "preseason game" doesn't fully capture it. The franchises have been connected since their Bay Area days, and the 49ers-Faithful arrived in droves. Las Vegas crowd matched their energy, with the assistance of more than 300 Raiders’ alumni in the stadium. The Raider Nation also celebrated its 50th anniversary of the Raiders' first Super Bowl championship.
The first half featured the Raiders' first-team offense versus the 49ers’ defense comprised of some starters and others fighting to secure a roster spot. The Raiders offense looked sharp under quarterback Kurt Cousins. Penalties stalled Las Vegas’ offense after long drives, resulting in two field goals.
San Francisco offense was underwhelming, but the team got a spark after the Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw an interception that put 49ers in scoring position. However, the 49ers’ offense had to settle for a field goal. The most productive players in the first half were the field goal kickers, and the half ended with the Raiders holding a 9-6 lead.
San Francisco 49ers #29 Jordan James (RB) is running hard avoiding being tackle by the Las Vegas Raiders #55 Cody Lendenberg (LB) at Allegiant Stadium. This photo is by Arnie Bazemore Fan Shotz August 27, 2026.
The second half became exciting when San Francisco quarterback Adrian Martinez featured wideout Jordan Watson in the passing game. The drive stalled at the Raiders' 2-yard line due to successive penalties, and San Francisco settled for another field goal from the 48-yard line. The third quarter ended in a 9-9 tie.
After the game, Mendoza said, "It's the NFL, there are monsters on the other side of the ball, and you need to get the ball out quick…It teaches you, you need to play on time, and there's less margin for error. So I think it's a great experience having that heat and duress because diamonds are built under pressure."
Each team used this final opportunity to evaluate players before rosters are reduced to 53 on Sunday. For the Raiders, they finally established the identity of a team now led by head coach Klint Kubiak.
The Raiders' revamped roster features veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, second-year running back Ashton Jeanty, and tight end Brock Bowers on offense, and Maxx Crosby remains the centerpiece of the defense.
The revamped offensive line should make the Silver and Black very competitive if they remain healthy.
The 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan did not play many starters, particularly preparing for its regular-season opener in Australia.
The 49ers have several roster decisions remaining, including competition along the offensive line and solidifying its injury-riddled receiving core.
The 49ers open September 10, 2026, against the Los Angeles Rams, and the Raiders open September 13, 2026, at home against the Miami Dolphins.