3 Raiders Who Can Have Big Days Sunday Against the 49ers

It’s a chilly Saturday night at Levi’s Stadium, and the Las Vegas Raiders are lacing up for what could be the biggest test of their season so far. After a rough patch that left them four games under .500, head coach Klint Kubiak knows his boys need more than just a solid game plan – they need a few stars to step into the spotlight.

First up, linebacker Nakobe Dean. The kid has been a workhorse all year, racking up 80 tackles, a handful of tackles‑for‑loss, a couple of forced fumbles and even an interception. He’s the kind of player who shows up everywhere on the field, and Sunday could be his chance to finally get a headline. If he can keep an eye on Christian McCaffrey – who’s expected to be on the field – the Raiders will at least have a fighting chance to keep the 49ers' high‑powered offense in check.

Then there’s tight end Michael Mayer. He’s been quietly piling up numbers in Klint’s offense, already up to 36 catches for 351 yards and a touchdown in just eight games. The 49ers will be glued to Brock Bowers, but that could open up a little wiggle room for Mayer to slip into the open space. A couple of big grabs here and there could swing momentum and give the Raiders a much‑needed spark.

Finally, keep your eyes on offensive tackle Kolton Miller. After a few rust‑filled weeks, the nine‑year veteran looks back to his old self – a left tackle who can give a pass‑rusher a run for his money. He’ll be staring down Nick Bosa, who’s back from a calf injury and itching to make an impact. If Miller can keep Bosa at bay, that could buy quarterback Kirk Cousins a few extra seconds to find his rhythm.

All three have a role to play, and all three could become the story of the night. It’s a tall order, but that’s the beauty of football: the underdog can get a big day when you least expect it.