NFL’s TNF Week 9: Oakland Raiders @ 49ers Preview

Two 1 win teams face off in the battle of the Bay Area in Primetime Thursday night. The Raiders lead the all time series 7-6, but won their last meeting in 2014.

The Raiders are coming off a 42-28 loss at the hands of the Colts. Previously, the Raiders lost 26-10 to the Chargers in week 5, lost to the Seahawks 27-3 in week 6, and had a bye in week 7.

The 49ers lost 18-15 to the Cardinals last week. In week 6, they lost to the Packers 33-30, and lost 39-10 to the Rams 39-10 in week 7.

This game opened up at San Francisco (-3.5) according to GTBets, and an O/U has not been posted.

Oakland Raiders

Offensively, the Raiders moved the ball well against Indy and punted just twice, but could not keep up on the scoreboard down the stretch. Derek Carr was efficient and decisive, completing 21 of 28 passes for 244 yards and 3 TDs. He spread the ball around well, but relied on his short game for the most part, leaning on Jalen Richard out of the backfield and Jared Cook at tight end. Richard finished with 8 catches for 50 yards, while Cook had 4 catches for 74 yards and a TD, chewing up yards after the catch. Doug Martin was effective in his first start for the injured Marshawn Lynch, rushing 13 times for 72 yards, but turned the ball over on a fumble late in the game leading to an Indy touchdown.

The defense struggled all around. They allowed over 220 yards and 2 TDs on the ground, and 230+ and 3 TDs through the air. Tight ends were a real weak spot defensively, and the Raiders gave up 10 catches, 133 yards, and 3 TDs to tight ends exclusively.

Injuries and Inactive Watch

OT T.J. Clemmings (knee) – left game and DNR. Questionable

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers were a mess this week. Down 3 on the ARI 45 with 7 seconds left and a timeout, backup center Erik Magnuson snapped the ball over the head of C.J. Beathard, who subsequently scrambled after it and attempted to throw the ball, which made the clock expire. Beathard was 14/28 for 190 and a TD in the game, relying on his tight end George Kittle and receiver Kendrick Bourne in the short game. Bourne caught 7 balls for 71 yards, while Kittle caught 5 balls for 57 yards. Marquise Goodwin also caught a deep shots for 55 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers were not effective running the ball, but not for lack of trying. Matt Breida had 16 carries for 42 yards, and Alfred Morris ran 6 times for 28 yards (long of 26).

Richard Sherman returned this week and looked solid and sure as a tackler, and added a sack. Jacquiski Tartt picked of Rosen on an overthrown ball, and the front did not get as much pressure as they should have against a rough Cardinals OL.

Injuries and Inactive Watch

LB Reuben Foster (hamstring) – left game and DNR. Questionable, S Jacquiski Tartt (shoulder) – questionable, WR Pierre Garcon (shoulder, knee) – DNP. questionable

Predictions

We imagine this game looked pretty good on paper at the beginning of the season, with Jon Gruden and the new look Raiders taking on Kyle Shanahan and Jimmy G. But neither teams season has gone as planned, and this appears to be another Thursday snoozer. The Raiders shouldn’t struggle to move the ball, but Derek Carr is going to have to be more aggressive as the 49ers are talented in the middle of the field. Doug Martin should have another nice day on the ground, but don’t count on Jalen Richard dicing up the 49ers linebackers.

Beathard is going to have to be more aggressive as well against a bad Raiders secondary. George Kittle should be primed for another big game, as the Raiders linebackers and safeties are liabilities in coverage, and I expect a few more deep shots dialed up for Marquise Goodwin. Home teams have the clear advantage on Thursdays, and I expect the 49ers to walk out with the win. We will wait to place action on this game, as we expect public money to come in on the Raiders, but we are tentatively taking the 49ers to cover at home.

Final Pick: 49ers (-3.5)