Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers: Offenses Take Center Stage
Levi Edwards reported Nov. 5, 2026, that the Las Vegas Raiders will renew their former Battle of the Bay rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9 at Levi’s Stadium. Las Vegas enters the game 4-4 after a road victory over the New York Jets, while San Francisco is 6-1 and pursuing the NFC West title. The contest carries added significance given the teams’ current standings and the franchise history between the clubs.
A notable subplot will be the Kubiak brothers occupying opposing sidelines. Klint Kubiak is in his first season as Las Vegas head coach, and Klay Kubiak has served as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator since 2025 after working with his brother on San Francisco’s staff in 2023. Klint said reconnecting with Klay in 2023 reinforced the bond they formed working side by side and underscored how hard and smart Klay worked. The family storyline adds intrigue to a matchup between two high-powered offenses.
The Raiders have shown a marked offensive improvement under Klint Kubiak and quarterback Kirk Cousins this season, ranking sixth in points per game (27.6), second in passing touchdowns (19) and 12th in yards per game (342.4). The 49ers also rank among the league’s best this season, listed fourth in points per game (28.1) and eighth in rushing yards per game (127.4), while allowing the fewest sacks (seven) in the NFL. With both units operating at a high level, the matchup projects to test offensive execution, play-calling and adjustments. Coaches will emphasize execution and adjustments as the teams prepare for Week 9.
The matchup between running backs Ashton Jeanty and Christian McCaffrey will be notable largely for their roles as pass-catching weapons out of the backfield. Jeanty has struggled as a traditional runner this season, averaging 3.1 yards per carry with a 44.4 rushing success rate, and he had a career-low two carries in the win over the Jets as rookie Mike Washington Jr. handled most of the rushing workload. He leads NFL running backs this season with 37 receptions for 376 receiving yards and is tied for the NFL lead among running backs with three receiving touchdowns. Klint Kubiak said he is pleased with Jeantys development and that it is the coaches’ job to continue developing young players.
Since being traded from Carolina to San Francisco in 2022, McCaffrey has 270 catches for 2,349 yards and 18 receiving touchdowns. This season he has compiled 34 receptions for 251 yards and a 64.3 receiving success rate, which is second among running backs behind Jacksonville’s Bhayshul Tuten. Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby called McCaffrey “an incredible running back” and praised his all-around skill set. The Raiders have gone 2-1 this season when Jeanty reaches at least 90 scrimmage yards, underscoring how getting Jeanty into space could influence the result.
The Raiders practiced at the Intermountain Health Performance Center ahead of the trip to the Bay Area, with team photos showing contributors such as Kirk Cousins, Maxx Crosby and Ashton Jeanty preparing for the matchup. The team has emphasized offensive balance and continued development of young players this season while attempting to maintain momentum after their road victory. Coaches and players will work to refine protection and route concepts to take advantage of San Francisco’s offensive pass protection which has allowed the fewest sacks (seven) in the NFL and to minimize the Raiders’ own sacks allowed. The preparation highlights attention to detail on both sides of the ball as the teams meet in Week 9.
NFL Sports Blog Take
This matchup between the Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers will likely hinge on how each team deploys its running backs as receivers and on pass protection. The Raiders have transformed their offense this season into a top-10 scoring unit and a potent passing attack under Klint Kubiak and Kirk Cousins, while the 49ers pair a strong rushing attack with the NFL’s stingiest allowance of sacks. Getting Ashton Jeanty the ball in space would play to his receiving strengths and improve Las Vegas’s chances, but containing Christian McCaffrey in the passing game will be equally critical given his sustained production since 2022. Ultimately, execution in protection and the ability of both offenses to sustain drives should determine which club gains the edge in Week 9.