NFL Hall-of-Fame coach Marv Levy once said, “Football doesn’t build character, it reveals character.” And if it’s character and culture you’re looking for from this game, there was no better setting around the league last weekend than Raiders-49ers in Santa Clara.
The Las Vegas Raiders — formerly of Oakland (and Los Angeles) — made their highly anticipated return to the Bay Area on Sunday, marking the Silver & Black’s first trip to Northern California since departing after the 2019-2020 campaign. Complex sent two natives of the region to tell the tale.
The fans were out in droves early, as supporters of both the Raiders and Niners flooded the streets of Santa Clara. Of course, Levi’s Stadium’s surrounding parking lots followed suit—tailgaters blasted Bay Area anthems from Mac Dre and others, while the divine smell of carne asada filled the air. And with it, a wave of nostalgia for multiple generations.
Although there is little that Raider and 49er fans will agree on, the two franchises will always be intertwined. Whether due to the former geographical proximity or a slew of decorated players to don both uniforms (see Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice, Bill Romanowski, Charlie Gardner, Nnamdi Asomugha, Michael Crabtree, NaVorro Bowman and many more), the Niners are Raiders will always be connected.
The two rivals had not shared the field together in the Bay Area since a November 2018 contest at Levi’s Stadium. Interestingly, that game served as one of 49ers tight end George Kittle’s first breakout performances, tallying 100+ yards and a score. San Francisco went on to wallop Oakland that evening, 34-3.
Fast forward to now, and the Niners entered Sunday’s romp as a 9.5-point favorite at Fanatics Sportsbook. With that, San Francisco had no interest in a slow start against Las Vegas, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey both used their quickness to extend drives, as both players found the end zone in the first quarter.
The Raiders found wins on offense throughout the first half, but not as often as they would have liked. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins showed confident execution of the playbook, leaning on All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers for gains down the middle of the field. Ultimately, Cousins managed a first half tuddy after converting a QB sneak at the goal line.
A second McCaffrey score — this one through the air — put San Francisco up, 21-10 at the break. When play resumed in the third quarter, a turnover fest ensued. The two offenses combined for five giveaways, of which, a Cousins pick-six on the first play from scrimmage proved most detrimental.
Vegas showed signs of life all afternoon, but in the end, what made the difference was the 49ers’ ability to capitalize on turnovers while the Raiders spoiled many of their most optimal opportunities.
San Francisco won on the scoreboard, 38-17, but in the stands of Levi’s Stadium, the fan ratio looked to be around 55-45 SF. Purdy was the game’s top offensive performer, accounting for 272 all-purpose yards with three total touchdowns. After nine weeks, the former “Mr. Irrelevant” shows +475 odds to win NFL MVP (third best) at Fanatics Sportsbook.
Off the field, it was just like old times with the Raiders and 49ers. Booming support for each team could be heard whenever a favorable result occurred. Despite the Niners’ dominant performance, numerous “RAIDERRRRRRRS” chants erupted throughout the day. As well, many notable names with ties to the Bay showed up, such as Jerry Rice, Steph Curry, E-40, Nate Diaz, Yaxel Lendeborg and more.
The reality of the situation — and what also makes it unique — is that the Raiders now call Southern Nevada home, and removed from a large majority of their fans in California. That means the two NFL franchises born in the Bay Area can only meet within the native region every eight years. And clearly, it will always mean something more.
For those wondering, the Niners now boast a 9-7 regular-season record vs. the Raiders, having taken each of the past three head-to-head clashes. We’ll see you again in Sin City come 2030!
