Although the Las Vegas Raiders will be going home in Week 9, they are still technically playing a road game against a very good foe in the San Francisco 49ers. Even with them dealing with key injuries, the 49ers have the Raiders outmatched at almost every position. This feels like an ill-fated faceoff.
And yet Las Vegas has competed with some of the NFL's best teams this season, so they can do it again on Sunday in Santa Clara. Breaking this down into smaller pieces or individual matchups may make it feel less intimidating, too, as it's easier not to choke on bite-sized pieces.
So, let's examine the five most critical matchups in this contest, ones that will certainly determine the outcome. Winning these, or even competing closely, would go a long way in the Silver and Black pulling off what most see as an insurmountable challenge in a bitter geographic rivalry game.
5 biggest matchups Raiders need to win against 49ers in Week 9
Kyle Shanahan vs. Rob Leonard
Sorry to start here, but I just have a terrible feeling about this one.
The Raiders' defense is struggling in pretty much every facet, and just weeks ago, Sean McVay toyed with Leonard and his group all game. Shanahan is arguably the brightest and most innovative mind in the sport, so he'll surely have some tricks up his sleeve, especially with an extra week to prepare.
If Las Vegas can just hold San Francisco to scoring in the high 20s, this game could go either way. Klint Kubiak does have the offense humming. And it may take opportunistic takeaways for that to happen, but if there's one thing Leonard's group has consistently done, it's that. Here's to hoping.
Raiders' rushing attack vs. elite 49ers run D
Things looked a bit better for the Raiders' run game last week, but there were too many variables to determine what aided that. Was it making Mike Washington Jr. the bell cow? Was it putting in Trey Zuhn III at right guard? Maybe it was the New York Jets missing their best run defender? A combo?
I suppose we will find out if this unit is actually any better this Sunday when Las Vegas takes on a San Francisco defense that is one of the very best in the league, particularly against the run. Raheem Morris is a great play-caller, and guys like Fred Warner make it feel like you're running against 13.
They have to get the job done, or it will be even worse for a defense that is sure to struggle anyway.
San Francisco's OL vs. underwhelming Las Vegas pass rush
Brock Purdy has been sacked seven times this year. That's it.
San Francisco does not have a weak link on its offensive line, its running backs and tight ends block well, and Purdy gets the ball out of his hands quickly. It will be tough for the Raiders' defensive front to get pressure and affect this game, especially with the way that they've been playing.
Purdy is playing like an MVP candidate, too, but he is at least marginally worse when he's pressured or blitzed. Leonard needs to figure out creative ways to get after him, or else Purdy will sit in the pocket and pick apart this linebacker group and secondary in coverage, and it'll be a long Sunday.
George Kittle vs. Raiders' defenders
All year, the Raiders have struggled to cover tight ends. Unfortunately, one of the elite ones will be on the other sideline in Week 9.
Kittle not only blocks his tail off in the run game and is legitimately an extra lineman when the ball is on the ground, but he's an exceptional pass-catcher and is leading the 49ers in yards. He's too big and physical for most corners or safeties, and he's too fast for most linebackers.
It will take a stroke of genius from Leonard to neutralize Kittle.
Kolton Miller and DJ Glaze vs. Nick Bosa
Miller and Glaze have surprisingly been one of the best offensive tackle duos in the NFL this season, and even more shocking is the fact that Miller has been the weaker link at times. Glaze's revival has been a sight to see. But both players will be tested when Bosa lines up across from them on Sunday.
This will be his first game since Week 2, so Bosa will be fresh and raring to go in a home game. He lines up on both sides of the defensive front, so Miller and Glaze need to be equally prepared for him. Bosa is equally adept against the pass and the run, so not letting him wreck the game is a tall task.
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