Facing a 6-1 team coming off a bye would figure to offer plenty of causes for concern. So, the big question is whether there are any reasons for optimism. I'd say so. Here are three of them.
1. 49ers gutted WR corps
Not that it has mattered in previous matchups when the opponent is depleted by injuries, but there’s always that possibility that this time it will make a difference. Not to mention, if teams like the Patriots and Rams beat up the Raiders that bad with key player out, imagine how bad it would have been with those players on the field?
For the 49ers, it’s their wide receiver corps that is stripped bare of its top players. Starters Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel are both OUT and Christian Kirk – who would likely have been asked to start in their absence – is OUT as well.
Leaving the likely starting duo of Demarcus Robinson and Jordan Watkins. This NFL worst Raiders defense needs all the help they can get here and not having to face the likes of Evans and Samuel certainly helps.
2. Raiders consistent scoring vs an inconsistent defense
For all the issues the Raiders have on defense, the 49ers haven’t been the picture of stability on that side of the ball. They have given up 29 points or more in three of their last six games. One of those times was their last game in which they lost to the then 2-5 Falcons.
On the other side of things is the 4-4 Raiders offense which has scored at least 30 points in three of their last six games, while averaging over 27 points per game on the season. Any given Sunday, right?
3. Brock Bowers
That’s it. Just Brock Bowers. He is a mismatch everywhere he lines up and accounting for him is no small thing. He’s one of those players who, even when he’s covered, you throw him the ball. And if it’s single coverage, you just figure he’s open. He’s playing at the level right now that he was during his All Pro rookie season when he set several rookie and franchise records as the best tight end in football.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: 3 reasons for optimism for Raiders Week 9 vs 49ers
