The Las Vegas Raiders travel to Santa Clara on Sunday for a Week 9 rivalry game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The Raiders enter the contest at 4-4 following a win over the New York Jets, while the 49ers sit at 6-1 and lead the NFC West. San Francisco is favored by 9.5 points with an over/under of 52 points.
The rivalry dates back to the franchises' shared time in the Bay Area, with the 49ers holding an 8-7 edge in the all-time series. The teams last met on Jan. 1, 2023, when San Francisco won 37-34 in overtime in Las Vegas. Sunday marks the Raiders' first regular-season game in the Bay Area since relocating to Las Vegas.
Several Raiders players have personal ties to the game. Guard Spencer Burford returns to Santa Clara after spending his entire career with the 49ers before signing with Las Vegas this year. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who grew up watching the rivalry, will play the closest game to his childhood home since high school.
The 49ers defense will have to account for Bowers' versatility and quarterback Kirk Cousins' resurgence. San Francisco's own star tight end has also taken notice of the Raiders' offensive weapons. Meanwhile, Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn was fined by the NFL this week for a hit on Jets receiver Garrett Wilson that caused a concussion.
The game serves as a reminder of Oakland's loss of professional sports teams, with some longtime fans maintaining complicated feelings as their former team returns to the region. The Raiders will look to build momentum while the 49ers aim to maintain their position among the NFC's top contenders.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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