How to watch 49ers-Raiders on Sunday
San Francisco 49ers football is finally back! After a long wait, we get to see the Niners back on the playing field. It's a long way until the regular season but this is the 49ers' first chance to show what they've been working on in training camp. San Francisco 49ers (0-0) at Las Vegas Raiders […]
San Francisco 49ers football is finally back!
After a long wait, we get to see the Niners back on the playing field. It's a long way until the regular season but this is the 49ers' first chance to show what they've been working on in training camp.
San Francisco 49ers (0-0) at Las Vegas Raiders (0-0)
Date: Sunday, August 13
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Alliegiant Stadium/Las Vegas, NV
Betting odds: 49ers -3.5, Over/Under 36
How to watch on TV: NFL Network, KPIX 5
Streaming: FuboTV, YouTube TV, Network apps, etc.
Radio: KNBR 680 AM / 104.5 FM 107.7 FM “The Bone" / SacTown Sports 1140AM
Will the 49ers play the starters?
Kyle Shanahan has already confirmed that the vast majority of starters will be rested, including starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who took most of the 11 on 11 reps during the second of two joint practices with the Raiders. Aside from the specialists and perhaps a couple of players in the trenches, this is a game the starters will watch from the sideline.
Who will stake their QB2 claim?
The 49ers' preparations for the new season have been dominated by the quarterback position. One question has been answered with Purdy cleared following offseason elbow surgery and the 49ers encouraged by his progress. The unknown is the identity of his top backup, with Trey Lance and Sam Darnold competing for that role. Lance, Shanahan said, will get the start and the first chance to impress in an audition that could prove crucial if injuries bite under center again.
3 Players to watch
- QB Trey Lance: The 49ers need Lance to perform to increase confidence in their insurance quarterback options and potentially inflate his future trade value. After getting so little starting experience to this point, it will be fascinating to see how he has developed since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2 last season.
- QB Sam Darnold: There is no doubting Darnold's ability as a thrower of the ball, but it has never truly been successfully harnessed at the highest level. Some believe Kyle Shanahan could be the coach to do just that, and the second half of this game will provide the first indication of whether that view has credence.
- S Ji'Ayir Brown: Brown, the 49ers' top selection in the draft, has all the tools to eventually become their long-term starter at free safety. A playmaker with a nose for the ball who has spoken about being desperate to hit someone for the first time since December, Brown is a leading candidate to produce a splash play on defense.
More 49ers news ahead of the game
Trey Lance to start 49ers preseason opener vs. Raiders
He’ll play the first half.
Featured Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
