NFL Picks: Preseason Week 1 – 49ers vs Raiders
As the NFL’s preseason kicks off, football fans are in for a treat with the San Francisco 49ers locking horns against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday afternoon. The 49ers, boasting a promising 13-4 record from the previous season, are up against the Raiders, whose last season’s 6-11 record may not fully encapsulate their NFL Odds potential.
BUSR NFL LINES:
Spread: 49ers -3.5 (-110), Raiders +3.5 (-110)
Moneyline 49ers -186, Raiders +151
Total 49ers O 37 (-110), Raiders U 37 (-110)
49ers’ Quarterback Quest: Lance or Darnold?
Following a heart-wrenching loss in the NFC Championship, the 49ers are more motivated than ever. Last season, Brock Purdy made a remarkable contribution, stepping up in October and securing eight wins out of nine regular season games. While Purdy is anticipated to be the starting quarterback for week one, the 49er’s management also has its eyes on Trey Lance, the coveted third overall pick from 2021. Lance’s NFL journey has been turbulent, marred by early injuries and a less-than-stellar 54% completion rate over eight games.
However, diversifying their quarterback options, the 49ers recently roped in Sam Darnold. His performance with the Carolina Panthers in 2022 was commendable, throwing for 1,143 yards with a TD-to-INT ratio of 7:3. With Brandon Allen being the wildcard, previously with the Bengals, the 49ers have an intriguing quarterback lineup for the upcoming games.
The team’s offensive arsenal further includes the formidable Christian McCaffrey, a running back whose participation will likely be limited this preseason. With the backup, Elijah Mitchell, recovering from an injury, fans can expect Jordan Mason to showcase his prowess after his commendable 258 yards rush last season. On the receiving end, Danny Gray, the team’s 2nd round pick from 2022, is expected to shine this preseason.
Last year, the 49ers’ impressive average of 26.5 points per game secured them sixth place. Their defense, being the backbone, restricted opponents to just 16.3 points, the best in the NFL.
Raiders Revamped
Las Vegas Raiders’ lineup has seen a paradigm shift, with Derek Carr making his exit and the seasoned Jimmy Garoppolo stepping in as the starting quarterback. Despite his susceptibility to injuries, Garoppolo has bounced back from a foot injury and is all set for the season. Brian Hoyer, the seasoned backup, brings with him vast experience, having previously been with the Patriots.
As the preseason unfolds, Aidan O’Connell, the dynamic rookie from Purdue with impressive stats from last year, is expected to get substantial game time. Chase Garbers, though undrafted, sits as the 4th QB on the depth chart, adding intrigue to the Raiders’ QB narrative.
The Raiders running back lineup, led by Josh Jacobs, seems relatively lean. Backed up by Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah, it lacks the depth that their wide receiver group boasts. With talents like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, and experienced players such as DeAndre Carter and Keelan Cole Sr., the Raiders’ offense seems poised for some thrilling plays.
The previous season saw the Raiders score an average of 23.2 points per game, landing them at the 12th spot, but their defense, allowing 24.6 points on average, held them back at the 26th position.
Conclusion
This preseason seems rife with quarterback quandaries. The 49ers’ predicament between Brock Purdy, Sam Darnold, and Trey Lance is worth noting. While Darnold has displayed potential with the Panthers, Lance, despite his challenges, holds promise for the future.
In terms of preseason strategy, 49ers’ coach Kyle Shanahan seems to have a slight edge, with a 7-3 record in his last ten preseason games compared to Raiders’ coach Josh McDaniels’ 6-6. The Raiders’ lack of depth post-Bryan Hoyer, with Aiden O’Connell as a promising yet untested rookie, adds an element of unpredictability.
With both teams having their strengths and vulnerabilities, this preseason matchup is shaping up to be an exciting precursor to the main season.