49ers vs. Raiders Prediction, Picks & Best Bets: NFL Preseason Week 3 Odds
My best 49ers vs. Raiders prediction focuses on the defenses of both teams.
With both offenses expected to rest key starters Thursday and the Raiders struggling even with their starters on the field, I expect this to be a low-scoring game.
Below, I also highlight why I think the Raiders are being overvalued as a 3.5-point betting favorite. Kickoff from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN Unlimited).
🏈 49ers vs. Raiders prediction: NFL preseason Week 3
See the latest NFL odds and our experts' NFL picks for every game this season.
| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Units | 🧠 Why I bet this |
|---|---|---|
| 49ers +3.5 (-115 via DraftKings) | 0.5u → 0.44u | The Raiders simply haven't been good enough in this preseason to warrant being greater than 3-point favorites. |
| Under 37.5 (-112 via DraftKings) | 1u → 0.89u | The 49ers' defense has been outstanding, and the Raiders' offense has struggled. |
Total wagered: 1.5 units | Max profit: 1.33 units
💰 49ers vs. Raiders best bet
Under 37.5 (-115)
The 49ers just played in a 41-17 game, but three of the touchdowns in that game were scored by special teams or defenses. With key players on both sides of the ball expected to rest, I expect the 49ers to look more similar to how they looked in their 19-13 loss to the Titans in Week 1.
Raiders' quarterback Fernando Mendoza really struggled last week, completing just 8-of-15 passes for 86 yards and an interception. While Aiden O'Connell has shown potential all preseason, the 49ers' defense has allowed just two offensive touchdowns in two games.
Score prediction: Raiders 16, 49ers 14
🚀 49ers vs. Raiders same-game parlay
I don't have a lot of confidence in either of these offenses, which is why I'm backing the Under. I'm willing to parlay that Under with the 49ers +3.5, because the spread is on the right side of the key number for San Francisco. But with so much up in the air in this game, I can't confidently risk more than 0.5 units on this parlay.
💵 49ers vs. Raiders SGP picks
- 49ers +3.5
- Under 37.5
Best odds: +234 via DraftKings (0.5u → 1.17u)
💵 My betting record for NFL picks
All NFL picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since Aug. 13.
| Bet type | Record | Net profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 18-4 | +15.41 units ✅ | 77% ✅ |
| Game picks | 13-2 | +9.49 units ✅ | 61.2% ✅ |
| Player props | 0-0 | +0 units ✅ | 0% ✅ |
| Parlays | 5-2 | +5.92 units ✅ | +131.6% ✅ |
💡 How I'm betting 49ers vs. Raiders: NFL preseason strategy
Follow all of our NFL analysis and betting advice for the 2026 NFL season.
My strategy for this game is to play it a little safer than usual. With the regular season right around the corner and both teams dealing with injuries to key players, I expect both squads to be risk-averse in this game. There are still plenty of players battling for roster spots and starting jobs, but it's still really hard to get a read on how this game is going to go. Therefore, I'll risk one unit on the Under, since the 49ers' defense has been great this preseason, and I'll risk half a unit on the 49ers to cover +3.5.
📊 49ers vs. Raiders odds: NFL preseason Week 3
Our live 49ers vs. Raiders odds update in real time.
🚑 49ers vs. Raiders latest injuries
🌤️ 49ers vs. Raiders weather: Thursday, 8 p.m. ET
This game will be played indoors at Allegiant Stadium, so weather won't be a factor for 49ers vs. Raiders on Thursday.
📺 How to watch 49ers vs. Raiders: NFL preseason Week 3
- Date: Thursday, Aug. 27
- Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas)
- Streaming: ESPN Unlimited
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