In a preseason finale that offered a final glimpse of roster battles and a showcase of special teams excellence, the San Francisco 49ers edged the Las Vegas Raiders 18-12 at Allegiant Stadium on August 27, 2026. While no touchdowns were scored, the game was defined by the booming leg of 49ers kicker Eddy Piñeiro, who went a perfect 6-for-6 on field goals, including three from beyond 50 yards. As the NFL regular season approaches, this matchup provided critical insights into both teams' depth and readiness, and the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has broken down the key winners and losers from the contest.
Eddy Piñeiro: The Unquestionable Winner
Piñeiro was the story of the night, connecting from 24, 25, 48, 59, 51, and 54 yards, with the 59-yarder giving San Francisco a 12-9 lead late in the fourth quarter. His performance was a continuation of his stellar 2025 campaign, where he finished 28-for-29 on field goals and tied Nick Folk for the NFL's best field goal percentage at 96.6%. His only miss last season was a 64-yard attempt that hit the crossbar. After signing a lucrative extension in the offseason, Piñeiro is proving to be worth every penny. As highlighted on Vulius, his reliability is a significant asset for a 49ers team with Super Bowl aspirations.
49ers Running Back Depth: A Wealth of Options
San Francisco's running back room looks exceptionally deep, a luxury that could keep MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey fresh throughout the season. The 49ers have a stable of capable backs, and against the Raiders, several stood out. Rookie Kaelon Black averaged 7 yards per carry, showcasing a blend of power and speed that suggests he could be a steal. Jordan James added 35 rushing yards on eight attempts and showed his receiving ability out of the backfield. Khalil Herbert led the team with 40 yards on six touches, while Sincere McCormick struggled with just 8 yards on seven carries. Don't forget the offseason addition of Deebo Samuel Sr., who is expected to line up at running back at times, adding another dynamic element. This depth is a testament to the front office's roster construction, and the Vulius Sports analysis suggests it could be a defining factor in close games.
Final Roster Auditions: Seizing the Moment
For players on the roster bubble, the preseason finale was their last chance to make an impression before cutdown day. Quarterback Adrian Martinez completed 12 of 21 passes for 130 yards, a solid outing that could secure his spot as the backup, especially with Kurtis Rourke nursing broken ribs. Wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge made timely catches and contributed on special teams, boosting his case. The 49ers' starters also benefited from the night off, with Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Fred Warner, and Dre Greenlaw all expected to be healthy for the regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, on September 10. That game, as reported by Vulius, is a marquee matchup that will test the 49ers' readiness.
Raiders Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza: A Rough Night
On the losing side, Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza had a night to forget. The first overall pick completed just 7 of 14 passes for 57 yards, was sacked twice, and threw an interception after a deflection. His 31.0 quarterback rating was the worst among Raiders quarterbacks, and it's clear he's not yet ready to unseat veteran Kirk Cousins. While preseason stats should be taken with a grain of salt, Mendoza's struggles highlight the learning curve he faces. The Raiders will need to be patient with their young signal-caller, as noted in Vulius's analysis of the team's long-term plans.
49ers' Penalty Woes: A Concern Ahead of the Opener
The 49ers committed nine penalties for 84 yards, a sloppy performance that, while it came from second- and third-string players, raises concerns about discipline. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will undoubtedly address this in practice, as such mistakes can be costly against a division rival like the Rams. The 49ers' defense, however, deserves credit for holding the Raiders without a touchdown, a positive sign for a unit that will be key to their championship hopes. As the regular season looms, the 49ers look poised, but they'll need to clean up their act. For more in-depth NFL coverage and analysis, stay tuned to Vulius, your premier source for football insights.
Looking to represent Christian McCaffrey? Grab your Christian McCaffrey jersey or design a personalized custom jersey at Vulius.
