The 49ers’ preseason win over the Raiders spotlighted a sharp, game-ready defense and a revitalized special teams unit, fueling optimism beyond the box score. San Francisco closed the game with a stingy defensive stand and two takeaways, while their special teams carried the late-game weight—Jake Moody supplied key field goals under pressure, and the squad finished with back-to-back drives that the previous season lacked. The second half was all about execution: every SF possession ended in a field goal, while the defense kept Vegas from a TD, underscoring a foundational shift from last year’s late-game woes.

Injuries dominated the chatter, but the optimism centered on structure and depth. Dominic Puny’s unknown ACL-like scare shifted to a PCL note, preserving his season’s arc for Week 1. With multiple running backs sidelined and receivers banged up, SF highlighted the need for roster churn and depth. The club even worked out Nate Sudfeld, signaling ongoing strategic moves as the cut-down clock ticks. Debo Samuel and Brock Purdy showed signs of cohesion, while Moody’s red-hot finish cemented him as a pressure-tested weapon in the kicking game. Fantasy players should watch Purdy’s growth and Moody’s reliability as the regular season nears.