LAS VEGAS — The Raiders preseason finale ended with an 18-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night at Allegiant Stadium. Las Vegas moved the ball at times, yet four Matt Gay field goals produced every Raiders point.
Neither team reached the end zone. Instead, San Francisco kicker Eddy Piñeiro made all six of his attempts, including three kicks from beyond 50 yards. His 59-yarder gave the 49ers their first lead early in the fourth quarter.
Cousins Leads Two Productive Drives
Raiders coach Klint Kubiak played most of his starters for two series, giving them valuable work before the regular season. Kirk Cousins completed 8 of 11 passes for 51 yards and guided two scoring drives.
However, the offense could not finish either possession with a touchdown. Gay connected from 37 and 53 yards during the first quarter, putting Las Vegas ahead 6-0. He later added makes from 45 and 48 yards.
Running back Mike Washington Jr. also strengthened his case for a larger role. Starting for injured Ashton Jeanty, Washington gained 49 yards on eight carries. He finished the preseason with 168 rushing yards while averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.
Mendoza Faces Heavy Pressure
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza entered after halftime and faced an aggressive San Francisco pass rush. He completed 7 of 14 throws for 57 yards, but the 49ers sacked him twice and intercepted him once.
On Mendoza’s second pass, his high throw deflected off Jalen Nailor and landed with linebacker Tatum Bethune. The turnover stopped a promising chance and showed how quickly one mistake can change an NFL drive.
Still, the experience gave the first overall draft pick another meaningful test. Mendoza ended his three preseason games with 240 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Now, he will continue developing behind Cousins as regular-season preparation begins.
Raiders Defense Starts Fast
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ starting defense delivered an encouraging opening. San Francisco quarterback Mac Jones completed only one of five passes for seven yards against the unit. Las Vegas also kept the 49ers out of the end zone throughout the game.
Yet Piñeiro steadily erased the Raiders’ advantage. He made kicks from 24, 25, 48, 59, 51 and 54 yards. His final two field goals came during the closing 1:51 and secured San Francisco’s win.
The Raiders finished with 251 total yards, 18 first downs and only two penalties for 15 yards. However, they converted six of 14 third downs and went scoreless on three red-zone trips. Those missed opportunities ultimately defined the night. Although the result disappointed fans, the night gave Kubiak film on young players battling for jobs across the roster.
Regular Season Comes Next
Las Vegas closed the preseason with a 1-2 record. The Raiders must now complete roster decisions before turning their full attention toward Week 1.
The Raiders open the regular season against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 13. Therefore, coaches have two weeks to sharpen red-zone execution, confirm key reserve roles and prepare the final 53-man roster.
Game Information
Las Vegas Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers
Final score: 49ers 18, Raiders 12
Date: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Game: NFL Preseason Week 3
Raiders preseason record: 1-2
49ers preseason record: 2-1
Raiders’ next game: Miami Dolphins, Sept. 13 at Allegiant Stadium
Official website: Las Vegas Raiders
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