Las Vegas fell 22-19 to San Francisco on a late 59-yard Jake Moody field goal, but the Raiders showed marked improvement in penalties and execution from Seattle. Carlson connected on multiple kicks, Bech flashed at receiver, and Mayer hauled in a near-goal-line grab while McCormick and Jeanty impressed as young backs with solid blocking and running. Purdy led SF on a brief opening drive before his day ended, while O’Connell answered with a clearer line, two first downs to Bech and a TD to Jeanty that helped Vegas grab a halftime edge. Moody’s heroic kick capped a tight, competitive exhibition that left fantasy managers eyeing the Raiders’ young skill-position depth and the Niners’ kicker-pipeline as Week 3 looms.

With a cleaner game overall, Vegas trimmed penalties and pressure, and their special teams produced a few big plays on both sides of the ball. The No. 2 quarterback job remains unsettled, but O’Connell’s improved accuracy and Mayer’s red-zone involvement give fantasy managers reason to monitor the Raiders’ depth chart closely. SF’s Purdy-minute was short but efficient, Moody showed why he’s a weapon in late-game scenarios, Pearsall and Mayer flashed for fantasy, and the backup RBs and blockers offered a clearer path to the Vegas depth chart as preseason continues.

Overall, the Raiders offered a tangible step forward in discipline and execution, while SF balanced star power with their backups, keeping the division chase tight ahead of the finale. Fantasy managers should track who earns carries and targets in next week’s tune-up and how Vegas rotates their QB room behind Smith as they prepare for the regular season.

Ashton Jeanty, the Las Vegas Raiders' sixth overall pick, is poised to step in as the primary running back, significantly improving the team's rushing attack. He will join veteran Raheem Mostert and the promising Sincere McCormick to form a more capable backfield compared to last season's duo. This shift in personnel is expected to elevate the Raiders' offensive strategy, enhancing their ability to control the game on the ground.

After the departure of Josh Jacobs, the Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2024 season in search of a new running back. Their initial hope for Zamir White didn't pan out, as he fell short of expectations, while Ameer Abdullah and Alexander Mattison provided only moderate support. Despite some promising moments from Sincere McCormick, the team recognizes the need for a more reliable option. One potential candidate is Najee Harris, whose contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers is set to expire soon. Harris has been linked to the Raiders multiple times due to his impressive performance in previous seasons, but his relatively low average yards per carry raises questions about his fit. With ample cap space, the Raiders may weigh their options and consider addressing their running back needs through free agency or the draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders struggled significantly in their rushing attack during the 2024 season, ranking last in the NFL with an average of just 79.8 yards per game. Following the season, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was dismissed due to his inability to develop an effective ground game, a stark contrast to his successful stint with the Chicago Bears. Analyst and former Raiders running back Maurice Jones-Drew criticized the team's leading rusher, Alexander Mattison, placing him last in the league. Mattison, who took over after Josh Jacobs' departure, only managed to rush for 420 yards, leaving him 53rd among all running backs. Meanwhile, Ameer Abdullah and Sincere McCormick outperformed him, averaging 4.7 yards per carry.

The Raiders aimed to revamp their running back lineup as both Mattison and Abdullah are set to hit free agency, creating uncertainty about their returns. This overhaul is crucial for the team’s competitiveness in the upcoming season, especially after a disappointing 2024 campaign.

The Las Vegas Raiders are facing uncertainty at the running back position as multiple players have cycled through the starting role this season. Sincere McCormick, the youngest in the group, has shown promise but has been sidelined due to injury after briefly taking the starting job.

Despite his limited playing time, McCormick ranks second on the team in rushing yards. However, with the team in a rebuilding phase and uncertainty surrounding veteran Alexander Mattison's future, the Raiders may consider bringing in a more established running back to support McCormick's development.