SANTA CLARA, California — The San Francisco 49ers turned a tense game into a rout with a second-half defensive avalanche, beating the Las Vegas Raiders 38-17 on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in NFL Week 9 to improve to 7-1 and stay on top of the NFC standings.

San Francisco led only 21-10 at half-time, and Las Vegas closed to 28-17 in the third quarter. Then the 49ers' defence took over, forcing five takeaways in the second half — the first time San Francisco has done that in a half in 20 years. Rookie Jaden Dugger opened the third quarter with a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown, and Malik Mustapha's late interception sealed the win. Christian McCaffrey scored twice and Brock Purdy threw two touchdown passes and ran for another.

Key Points

• The San Francisco 49ers beat the Las Vegas Raiders 38-17 on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in NFL Week 9.
• San Francisco's defence forced five second-half takeaways, including Jaden Dugger's 35-yard pick-six 17 seconds into the third quarter.
• Christian McCaffrey scored twice, rushing and receiving, extending his streak to seven straight games with a rushing touchdown.
• Brock Purdy threw two touchdown passes and ran for another; Jordan Watkins caught his first career touchdown on a 37-yard grab.
• The 49ers ran 43 times for 190 yards and held the Raiders' running game to 24 yards, but lost rookie Gracen Halton to a season-ending broken ankle.

What Happened

The 49ers could hardly have started better. They took the opening kickoff and marched 69 yards in 12 plays, with McCaffrey capping the drive with a one-yard touchdown run — his seventh straight game with a rushing score, tying Hall of Famer Joe Perry. The next drive went 89 yards, and Purdy finished it with a one-yard rushing touchdown to make it 14-0. Las Vegas answered early in the second quarter, when Kirk Cousins capped a 62-yard drive with a one-yard sneak to cut the lead to 14-7. San Francisco responded at once: a 12-play, 84-yard drive ending with a 12-yard touchdown pass to McCaffrey, and Matt Gay's 50-yard field goal made it 21-10 at half-time.

The third quarter decided the game. On the first play of the second half, Cousins underthrew a pass toward Tre Tucker; Dugger grabbed it and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown — the first interception and first touchdown of the rookie's career — to make it 28-10. Las Vegas answered with a Cousins touchdown pass to Brock Bowers, cutting the lead to 28-17. Then the 49ers' offence stalled: Purdy threw an interception to Treydan Stukes, but Fred Warner punched the ball away from Bowers and Dre Greenlaw recovered it. After a failed fourth-and-one sneak, Upton Stout punched the ball free from Michael Mayer and Warner jumped on it in the end zone for a touchback. Renardo Green then intercepted Cousins for his fourth pick of the year, and Purdy hit Jordan Watkins for a 37-yard touchdown to make it 35-17.

Eddy Pineiro's 35-yard field goal with 5:21 left made it 38-17, and Mustapha's interception on fourth-and-11 capped the fifth takeaway of the half. Mac Jones took the final kneel-downs.

Background: A Rivalry Renewed

Sunday's game was a throwback to the old Bay Area rivalry, with the Raiders returning to the region they left for Las Vegas. The 49ers came in fresh off their bye at 6-1 and as 9.5-point favourites, while Las Vegas arrived with one of the NFL's worst defences. San Francisco's defensive line had been reinforced by the trade that brought DeForest Buckner back from Indianapolis, and Nick Bosa was back in the lineup, but receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel were both out injured. The win was San Francisco's fifth in a row coming out of its bye under Kyle Shanahan.

49ers Raiders 38-17: Defence Takes Over After the Break

San Francisco forced five turnovers in about 27 minutes of game time, four in a frantic third quarter, and still won by 21 points despite an offence that went backwards for much of the second half. Warner was at the centre of it, forcing one fumble and recovering another, and the takeaways came from all over the unit: a rookie linebacker, two cornerbacks, a safety and the veteran linebacker who sets the standard. Las Vegas was held to 24 rushing yards all day, while the 49ers ran 43 times for 190 yards — the formula Shanahan had demanded. Rookie Kaelon Black led the way with 70 yards on 11 carries and McCaffrey added 68 yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts.

There was a price: Halton broke his ankle after another defender fell into his leg, a season-ending injury confirmed by Shanahan after the game.

Reactions: "That Was Honestly the Emphasis"

The players were clear that the takeaway barrage was no accident. "That was honestly the emphasis going into the week," said Warner. McCaffrey told FOX Sports' Allison Williams: "It's unbelievable. It's inspiring, too, just not giving up on drives, even at the 1-yard line." Shanahan was honest about Purdy's uneven afternoon: "He definitely missed a couple, but he made it up with plays to make back." He praised Watkins — "He's made a huge step forward" — and Bosa backed the defence's Super Bowl credentials: "Yeah, we have the guys to do it."

Why It Matters

The win matters on two levels. The record — 7-1 — keeps the 49ers on top of the NFC and in control of the race for the top seed. And the manner: San Francisco won with defence and the running game on a day its passing attack was inconsistent and its best receivers were out, the profile of a team that can win in January. For Las Vegas, the loss deepens a difficult season: its defence gave up touchdowns on San Francisco's first three drives, and the offence managed just 24 yards on the ground.

What Happens Next

The 49ers will now worry about their defensive line after Halton's injury and clean up the penalties and third-quarter sloppiness. The trade deadline falls on Tuesday, November 10, and Watkins' breakout may shape whether San Francisco adds a receiver. Las Vegas must regroup, with the running game and turnovers at the top of the list.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of 49ers vs. Raiders?
The San Francisco 49ers beat the Las Vegas Raiders 38-17 on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in NFL Week 9.

How many takeaways did the 49ers force?
Five, all in the second half, including Jaden Dugger's 35-yard pick-six and Malik Mustapha's late interception.

How did Christian McCaffrey play?
He scored two touchdowns — one rushing, one receiving — ran 18 times for 68 yards and caught two passes for 19 yards.

What happened to Gracen Halton?
The rookie defensive tackle suffered a season-ending broken ankle after another 49ers defender fell into his leg.

What is the 49ers' record now?
San Francisco improved to 7-1 and remains on top of the NFC standings.

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