The preseason finale between the San Francisco 49ers and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium delivered a gritty defensive showcase, ending in an 18-12 victory for San Francisco. While preseason games often fly under the radar, this matchup provided vital evaluation tape for roster cuts, highlighted by kicker heroics, rookie standout performances, and crucial turnovers. Examining the complete player stats uncovers how the 49ers capitalized on offensive versatility and defensive pressure to outlast Las Vegas.
Eddy Piñeiro stole the spotlight by accounting for all 18 of San Francisco's points, converting all six of his field goal attempts, including four makes from beyond 48 yards. Meanwhile, the Raiders struggled to punch the ball into the end zone, settling for four field goals under the guidance of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza. Reviewing the box score reveals the underlying metrics that dictated the flow of the game.
Offensive Breakdown and Quarterback Metrics
Offensive efficiency varied dramatically across quarters as both coaching staffs evaluated depth pieces. For San Francisco, quarterback Adrian Martinez engineered the offense in the second half, completing 12 of 21 passes for 130 yards and posting a 75.5 quarterback rating. Mac Jones added limited snaps, going 1-for-5 for 7 yards.
- Adrian Martinez: 12/21 completions, 130 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- Mac Jones: 1/5 completions, 7 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- Kirk Cousins: 8/11 completions, 51 passing yards
- Fernando Mendoza: 57 passing yards, 1 interception, 31.0 QB rating
The Raiders managed 138 total passing yards and 113 rushing yards, but stalled in the red zone. Mike Washington Jr. led Las Vegas on the ground with 49 yards on eight carries, averaging 6.1 yards per touch as he auditioned for a larger backfield role. Dare Ogunbowale chipped in 37 yards on 10 carries, while rookie tight end Brock Bowers added a reception.
Defensive Stands and Turnovers That Shaped the Game
Defensive units dictated the tempo, limiting big plays and forcing field goal attempts. The turning point in the first half arrived when San Francisco cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. deflected a pass from Fernando Mendoza. Linebacker Tatum Bethune alertly snagged the tipped ball and returned it 16 yards to the Raiders 22-yard line, setting up immediate scoring territory.
Bethune anchored the middle of the field all night, finishing with nine total tackles (three solo) alongside his interception. Rookie linebacker Jaden Dugger led all defenders with 10 total tackles (five solo), generating crucial pressure in the third quarter that stalled a Raiders possession and forced a missed 54-yard field goal attempt.
Pass rushers also made their presence felt. Keion White disrupted the pocket with an 11-yard sack on Mendoza, and Ogbo Okoronkwo added a nine-yard sack before halftime. The aggressive front seven ensured that Las Vegas converted only 4 of 15 third-down attempts.
Versatility in the Open Field
San Francisco wide receiver Jordan Watkins delivered one of the most complete skill-player performances of the evening. Watkins proved dangerous across multiple phases of the game, hauling in four receptions for 64 yards—highlighted by two clutch 19-yard catches on third down—while adding 21 rushing yards on three carries. He also handled punt and kickoff return duties, accumulating vital yardage in field position battles.
For the Raiders, Tre Tucker paced the receiving corps with three catches for 25 yards, but the offense lacked explosive downfield connections. Total yards favored the 49ers (281 to 251), reflecting a slight edge in yards per play (4.7 to 3.9) that ultimately translated into Piñeiro's game-deciding scoring margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored all the points for the San Francisco 49ers?
Kicker Eddy Piñeiro scored all 18 points for San Francisco, going a perfect 6-for-6 on field goal attempts, with four makes coming from 48 yards or further.
Which players led both teams in passing yards?
Adrian Martinez led the 49ers with 130 passing yards, while Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins split duties for the Raiders, combining for 138 total passing yards.
How many turnovers occurred in the matchup?
The game featured only one official turnover, an interception by 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune off a deflection by cornerback Darrell Luter Jr.
What was the final score and context of the game?
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 18-12 at Allegiant Stadium during Week 3 of the 2026 NFL preseason.
