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LAS VEGAS — And with that, the Raiders and 49ers go their separate ways.

They will meet again in Week 9, but they leave the preseason headed toward vastly different destinations, burdened by vastly different expectations.

The 49ers are pursuing a Super Bowl. The Raiders are searching for the foundation upon which they might eventually build one.

That difference was never more apparent than Thursday night, when the two former Bay Area neighbors met in each team’s preseason finale against the glistening backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip, visible just beyond the lanai doors of Allegiant Stadium.

It was an appropriate setting.

Las Vegas is built on risk, chance and the uncertainty of what comes next. And that provided an especially fitting metaphor for two teams making decidedly different wagers on the season ahead.

While the 49ers protected nearly every player essential to their championship hopes, the Raiders played most of their starters.

It’s why Kirk Cousins opened the game at quarterback, lined up behind the Raiders’ starting offensive line, and why Mac Jones, not Brock Purdy, was under center to start the game alongside the 49ers’ second-string offensive line.

For one team, the risk of playing key players outweighed whatever might have been gained.

For the other, there was still too much work to be done and too many questions to be answered.

The 49ers did not need one more preseason game to determine who they are. The Raiders are still very much trying to figure out their identity.

The 49ers enter the season carrying the weight of championship expectations while trying to steer through storm clouds that began gathering before the games even counted.

Kyle Shanahan’s car accident and Jed York’s arrest created an unsettling backdrop around the organization. On the field, Nick Bosa had not practiced since Aug. 3, while Christian McCaffrey missed time because of tightness. Injuries have already complicated the journey, creating questions about whether the 49ers can remain intact long enough to reach the destination they have spent years chasing.

Taken individually, each development might be manageable. Together, they have created an unmistakable sense of turbulence around a franchise that entered the season expecting stability and carrying Super Bowl-or-bust expectations.

There will be concern. There will be scrutiny. There may even be moments when the challenges seem greater than the 49ers anticipated.

But there can be no excuses.

Not anymore.

The 49ers have been knocking on the door long enough. They have assembled one of the NFL’s most talented rosters, played in two Super Bowls under Shanahan and come painfully close to winning both. They have suffered through enough near-misses to understand how quickly a championship window can begin to close.

At some point, potential has to become achievement. Close has to become complete.

For all the talk about the character, leadership and standard the 49ers represent, those qualities must now lead them through the turbulence. A standard matters most when it is tested. Leadership is most valuable when circumstances threaten to pull a team off course.

This is the moment for the 49ers’ strongest voices — and most established players — to steady the room.

Their season cannot become a daily accounting of who is unavailable or what went wrong. The injuries are real, and their impact cannot be dismissed. But every team eventually encounters adversity. The championship teams are the ones that absorb it without allowing it to alter their destination.

The 49ers’ mission is clear: survive the early storms, remain within striking distance and position themselves to finish the job.

The Raiders’ journey is far less certain.

They are beginning again with a new head coach, a reshaped roster and the uncertainty that accompanies any legitimate rebuild. They are trying to determine which players will still be part of the operation when its most important pieces are finally in place.

More immediately, they must decide when Fernando Mendoza should take control of it.

As the first overall pick in the NFL draft, Mendoza represents more than another young quarterback trying to earn playing time. He is the future face of the franchise and, the Raiders hope, the player capable of finally bringing stability to a position that has lacked it for far too long.

The question is not whether the Raiders will eventually turn the offense over to him.

It is when.

There is value in allowing Mendoza to watch, learn and develop behind Cousins. There is also value in letting him experience the speed, pressure and consequences of the NFL for himself. No amount of sideline observation can completely replicate the education that comes from standing in the pocket with a defense bearing down on you.

That leaves the Raiders facing a delicate balancing act.

They cannot rush Mendoza simply to satisfy the impatience that naturally accompanies the arrival of a No. 1 pick. But they also cannot allow caution to become an excuse for delaying the inevitable. At some point, protecting his development will require letting him play.

The Raiders must be honest about the team surrounding him. Can the offensive line protect him? Are there enough dependable receivers to support him? Is the running game strong enough to keep every third down from becoming his burden?

These are not merely questions about whether Mendoza is ready for the NFL. They are questions about whether the Raiders are ready for Mendoza.

The preseason finale offered a snapshot of where both organizations stand.

The 49ers could afford to hide their most important players away because their identity is established and their objective is unmistakable.

The Raiders needed their starters on the field because evaluation remains part of nearly everything they do. Jobs are being won. Roles are being defined. A depth chart is still being shaped around a long-term vision that remains under construction.

Now they separate.

The 49ers move forward with the urgency of a team whose opportunity is here and may not remain open forever. The Raiders move forward with the patience, and inevitable growing pains, of a team trying to create an opportunity of its own.

Then, in Week 9, their paths will cross again.

The Raiders will return to the Bay Area for the first time since leaving Oakland, bringing an emotional undercurrent that will make the game about more than the standings. By then, the questions surrounding both teams may have very different answers.

Will the 49ers have weathered the storms and emerged as the championship contender they expect to be? Or will injuries and accumulated frustration have pushed another promising season toward the edge?

Will the Raiders still lean on Cousins or will Mendoza have assumed control of the franchise’s future? Will they look like a team making real progress or one still searching for its footing?

Thursday night marked the end of the preseason and the beginning of their separate journeys.

Week 9 will reveal just how far each has traveled.

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders received the bulk of the playing time at quarterback for the Cleveland Browns as they battled for the starting job across the team's first two preseason games.

In preseason Week 3, it was Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green's team to run the show after Todd Monken named Watson Cleveland's starter.

Gabriel, a third-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, was granted the chance to start. It was a critical opportunity for the 25-year-old, who had struggled in mop-up duty across his first two preseason contests.

Gabriel capitalized on the chance afforded to him. He led the Browns offense to 27 points while demonstrating great rhythm and accuracy across one half of action. Entering Thursday's action, Cleveland had only scored 17 total points across its previous two preseason games.

Here's more to know about Gabriel's outing against the Patriots, including a grade for his performance.

San Francisco 49ersowner Jed York was arrested in Ohio last weekend for allegedly making an arrangement "to have sexual activity" with a woman "in exchange for $140."

San Francisco general manager John Lynch addressed York's situation during an in-game interview with CBS during the 49ers' final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Nevada.

"Obviously a difficult situation. You know, I have so much love and respect for the York family, for Jed, for Danielle, John, and Denise and Jenna and Mara − they've just been tremendous to me and my family," Lynch said. "I thought Kyle said it well. It's a real personal situation. We're going to leave it as such."

Lynch echoed head coach Kyle Shanahan, who also told reporters it was "personal" after San Francisco's Aug. 25 practice.

York reached a plea deal that saw his charges of "engaging in prostitution" – a misdemeanor – reduced to disorderly conduct misdemeanor charges. Additionally, he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of possessing criminal tools.

The NFL is looking into potential punishment for York, reviewing the matter under terms of its personal conduct policy, which states a "higher standard" for owners.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers GM John Lynch calls Jed York arrest 'a real personal situation'

It only took one possession for veteran play-by-play man Al Michaels to get into midseason form during Amazon Prime Video's preseason "Thursday Night Football" broadcast.

The broadcast was coming back from a commercial after the Browns opened the game with a touchdown from Dillon Gabriel to Luke Floriea. It showed an aerial shot of Huntington Bank Field, which abuts Lake Erie.

Michaels used that opportunity to crack a joke about U.S. president Donald Trump's order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America" amid an ongoing trade dispute with Canada.

"That is Lake Erie. We think it is still called Lake Erie – we're not quite sure at this point," Michaels said. "But we'll be by Lake something like Ontario or whatever it's going to be called by the time we get to Buffalo. Anyway, you know what I'm talking about, some of you do. Read the news."

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With a full slate of NFL football on deck, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 27, here are my NFL moneyline picks for Week 3 of the preseason.

Let's navigate these murky waters together, break down the quarterback battles, and find our edges in my this week's NFL picks.

Week 3 preseason NFL moneyline picks

Matchup	Pick	Result
PIT vs. BUF	58%
NE vs. CLE	57%
SF vs. LV	60%
LAR vs. LAC	40%
WAS vs. BAL	59%
ATL vs. MIA	65%
HOU vs. CAR	45%
TB vs. JAX	58%
NYG vs. NYJ	60%
CIN vs. PHI	56%
ARI vs. GB	55%
SEA vs. KC	48%
NO vs. DAL	58%
MIN vs. DEN	71%
DET vs. IND	63%
CHI vs. TEN	57%

Lines courtesy of Kalshi as of 8-27.

Expert Week 3 preseason NFL moneyline picks

Steelers vs Bills: Bills (58%)

Buffalo Bills' Kyle Allen will likely get significant run in the final week of the preseason after he went 10 of 12 for 128 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. Will Howard and Drew Allar will go for the Pittsburgh Steelers; those two totaled 144 yards with two interceptions and four sacks against the New York Jets. I'm placing my money on the vet.

• It was all Shane Buechele in this one, as Allen - despite reports saying the contrary - sealed up QB2 duties last week. Regardless, the pick was sound, as he outplayed Howard and Allar. His two-point conversion was the cherry on top.

Grade: B

Patriots vs Browns: Patriots (57%)

Neither Deshaun Watson nor Shedeur Sanders will play in this game, leaving me to side with Tommy DeVito, who's thrown for 289 yards and two touchdowns across two weeks of the preseason. Easy money here.

49ers vs Raiders: Raiders (60%)

Chalk me up as one of the guys who got killed by Aidan O'Connell's final drive against the Houston Texans a week ago — I won't make that mistake again, especially when the San Francisco 49ers will likely remain cautious with their starters before the season.

Rams vs Chargers: Rams (40%)

Stetson Bennett IV has the inside track on Ty Simpson to win the QB2 battle, but both will get their final chance to make a name for themselves in Week 3. On the other side, don't expect many starters to play for the Los Angeles Chargers, and I'll take the Los Angeles Rams' depth every time. 

Commanders vs Ravens: Ravens (59%)

Dan Quinn said Jayden Daniels will get his reps during joint practices, leaving me to believe he won't be seeing the field in Week 3. With Lamar Jackson sidelined before the regular season, Tyler Huntley and Joe Fagnano will be getting the reps, and I trust them more than Sam Hartman and Athan Kaliakmanis.

Falcons vs Dolphins: Falcons (65%)

Kevin Stefanski said Atlanta Falcons starters will be seeing some reps as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. However, Tua Tagovailoa will be behind center in the first quarter. Jeff Hafley confirmed Quinn Ewers will get a ton of work, but the lack of depth for the Miami Dolphins is concerning, so we'll ride with the Falcons.

Texans vs Panthers: Panthers (45%)

Kenny Pickett was 15 of 25 last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars and will likely get the most run with Bryce Young and Haynes King sidelined before the regular season. C.J. Stroud will play a series but leave most of the work to Davis Mills, who couldn't move the ball whatsoever a week ago. I'll throw my belief in Pickett to give us a cushion.

Buccaneers vs Jaguars: Buccaneers (58%)

We won't be seeing Baker Mayfield in this one; it feels like Jake Browning might be playing for his job against Jalon Daniels, who was getting snaps ahead of Browning in Tuesday's joint practice. That competition should bear fruit this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars' backups.

Giants vs Jets: Giants (60%)

John Harbaugh didn't say whether or not Jaxson Dart will play, but in Jameis Winston we trust, nonetheless. The three-quarterback rotation for the New York Jets didn't do much of anything behind Geno Smith last week, so I'll give the New York Giants the benefit of the doubt here.

Bengals vs Eagles: Eagles (56%)

I'm in the business of fading Josh Johnson as well as the Cincinnati Bengals' bench (Zac Taylor confirmed starters won't play), and will do so this week against Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton, and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Cardinals vs Packers: Cardinals (55%)

With the Green Bay Packers likely sitting their starters here, I'm relying on Gardner Minshew for the Arizona Cardinals, who's been throwing the ball pretty damn well in the preseason. He's thrown just six incomplete passes on 39 attempts alongside two touchdowns and a pick. We'll ride with him against the Packers' bench.

Seahawks vs Chiefs: Seahawks (48%)

With Patrick Mahomes unlikely to play and the combo of Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe throwing virtually every pass for the Seahawks in the preseason, I'm all over Seattle in this spot. Lock has been solid over two weeks, too, completing 21 of 27 passes for 134 yards. Don't overthink this one.

Saints vs Cowboys: Cowboys (58%)

If it ain't broke, don't fix it - the Cowboys have been a cash cow for us in the preseason with Joe Milton at the helm. With him looking to lock up QB2 duties, I'm sticking with Dallas.

Vikings vs Broncos: Broncos (71%)

It'll be Sam Ehlinger vs. Jarrett Stidham in a QB2 battle in Week 3, which usually bodes well for our wallet. I'll fade J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings as a result.

Lions vs Colts: Lions (37%)

We won't see many starters for the Detroit Lions or Indianapolis Colts in Week 3; it'll be Josh Dobbs against Anthony Richardson Sr. After the latter did next to nothing against the Falcons last week, I'll lean on Dobbs and Co. to get the job done.

Bears vs Titans: Titans (57%)

Head coach Robert Saleh has trotted Cam Ward out there each week so far in the preseason, and we'll likely see him one more time against the Chicago Bears. With serviceable quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Will Levis waiting in the wings, I'll take that depth one more time.

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The Rams and Chargers wrap up their respective preseasons at SoFi Stadium tonight, with the Chargers sitting as 59% favorites at Kalshi.

Rams coach Sean McVay never plays his starters in preseason, and that won’t change here. The Chargers starters, meanwhile, will see six to nine plays.  

My Rams vs. Chargers predictions and NFL picks believe a drive and change with the regulars isn’t going to be enough to tilt things the Chargers' way on August 27, so look the Rams' offense to lead the way to a win and an Over.

Rams vs Chargers prediction

Pick	Probability
Rams moneyline	41%
Over 37.5	52%

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.

Who will win Rams vs Chargers: Rams

Kalshi probability: 41%

Prediction markets seem to be putting a great deal of weight on the news about the starters playing for the Chargers.

This will be the first time their entire offensive line has played together this preseason. That probably isn’t enough to change what we’ve seen on the field through the first two exhibition games, however.  

The Los Angeles Rams have posted the highest point differential through two games, +42, without a single starter seeing the field this preseason. Only the Bills have scored more than their 54 points on offense, and only the Ravens have allowed fewer than their 12. 

The Los Angeles Chargers have been outscored through two preseason games, including a 41-17 beatdown at the hands of the 49ers. 

 TOP PICK
Rams vs Chargers Over/Under pick: Over 37.5

Kalshi probability: 52%

Neither team has had trouble scoring.

Rams rookie Ty Simpson will likely get the start and go most of the way. The first-round draft pick appears to have lost the backup job to veteran Stetson Bennett, and McVay has hinted that Bennett may not play at all. 

That’s no problem for the Rams offense, as Simpson has had the better passer rating in both games so far. He had two touchdowns and 190 yards on 21 of 25 passing in the first game, and was 8 of 12 for 73 in the second. 

The Chargers have gotten 476 passing yards and 44 points from the quarterback tandem of DJ Uiagalelei and Trey Lance.

That, coupled with a defense that's allowed 48 points in two games, should help this game reach the Over.  

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The Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers meet in their shared home Thursday night in the final preseason game for both teams.

Coach Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers will serve as the home team against coach Sean McVay and the Rams.

The Chargers are looking to bounce back from a 41-17 home loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 20.

The Rams enter the final preseason game with momentum, having beaten the New Orleans Saints 34-0 on Aug. 22.

USA TODAY Sports is bringing you live coverage with updates, highlights and analysis for Thursday's preseason finale between the Rams and Chargers.

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When the Dolphins released All-Pro WR Tyreek Hill this past February following a catastrophic knee injury, the NFL world assumed a long, quiet rehabilitation.

Instead, Hill has turned his free agency into a public spectacle. From cryptic social media posts at Hard Rock Stadium to highly publicized meet-and-greets in Missouri, the rumors are flying.

Tyreek Hill Next Team Odds: Top Contenders

“Tyreek Hill's Next Team” prediction markets are reacting to every single hint, creating a wildly volatile trading environment.

This market isn’t simply pricing in medical clearance; it’s pricing in narrative momentum, quarterback fits, and active player recruitment.

Right now, traders at Kalshi are trying to separate legitimate front-office smoke from pure online hype.

Key Takeaways

• The Favorite: Retirement/stays with Miami was the favorite at 30 cents two weeks ago, but it has since dipped. to 26 cents. Hill back to the Chiefs is again the favorite.
• The Momentum: Hill back to the Chiefs surged from 10 cents to 35 cents over the past two weeks, likely because of encouraging workout videos that Hill posted on social media.
• Retirement A Growing Option: 'Staying with Miami or retiring' is a serious option as Hill said in July that he has "no power" in his injured left leg.

Tyreek Hill Next Team Odds: Where The Smart Money Is Moving

Prediction markets aren’t just about picking the eventual winner. The sharpest traders find value where the public has overreacted or underpriced a highly probable outcome.

Kansas City | “Yes” 35¢ | 29% Chance

Value is about catching the pendulum when it swings too far.

The public saw Hill in Missouri and aggressively bought KC up to near 50%. Patrick Mahomes needs a proven deep threat, and Hill clearly wants a reunion.

This was bad value at 43 cents but has since reset down to 35¢: this is a market to watch very closely and consider trading into.

Stays with Miami or Retires | “Yes” 26¢ | 26% Chance

"Stays with Miami or retires" is priced at 26% for 'Yes' right now, but this may grow and grow over time with unfortunate news shared by Adam Schefter on Hill's progress in his return from injury:

Free-agent WR Tyreek Hill said he still has “no power” in the left leg he injured in week 4 last season against the New York Jets.https://t.co/HpHqc56lsP

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 23, 2026

One thing to bear in mind with this market is the closing date: if Hill doesn't have full mobility yet and must complete his rehab before returning to the field...could he miss the closing date for this market of December 31, 2026?

It's looking more and more unlikely we'll see the Cheetah on the field in 2026.

BUY: Baltimore | “Yes” 2¢ | 1% Chance

If you want a logical scheme-fit sleeper, Baltimore at 1% is a prime value play.

The Ravens are consistently discussed as the perfect spot for a speed-dependent receiver alongside Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers.

Buying in at 2¢ gives you leverage if real contract talks leak.

Tyreek Hill Next Team Odds: What’s Driving the Volatility?

The Kalshi board for Tyreek Hill's next team is a masterclass in narrative whiplash.

In June: “Stays with Miami or Retires,” was sitting at 29%. While the Dolphins return chatter was basically nonexistent, the retirement angle is starting to gather pace with reports coming out about his rehab from serious injury proving much slower than expected.

Vegas' Rise and Fall

The most compelling story is Las Vegas. The Raiders exploded from the basement to a 25% implied probability in June, jumping 23¢ almost overnight.

What changed?

Defensive superstar Maxx Crosby. He has used his platform to pitch Vegas as a premier landing spot, and prediction markets always respect a star-driven recruitment drive.

It was a fleeting moment on the Kalshi board, though, as all has been quiet on the Vegas front. Vegas is now at just 6 cents.

Expert Context: Why the Markets are Shifting

The defining gravitational force is medical clearance. Tyreek Hill suffered a devastating dislocated knee with torn ligaments, including the ACL, last season. This isn’t a standard free-agency negotiation; it’s a tense waiting game.

General managers are holding out for medical green lights, which creates a vacuum of hard news. In prediction markets, when there’s no hard news, social media fills the void.

That’s why a Snapchat post can spike the Miami price, or why Maxx Crosby’s online commentary can launch the Raiders up 23¢.

Right now, traders are betting on where Hill wants to go, not necessarily where the medicals and contracts align.

Eventually, an aging speedster coming off a catastrophic injury signs where guaranteed money and contender status meet—often leaving fan-driven rumors behind.

Strategic Considerations for Traders

• Watch the medical cycle: This market stays speculative until Hill passes a physical. Track concrete rehab timeline reports before taking heavy positions.
• The flip strategy: You don’t have to hold until Hill signs. If you buy the Chiefs at 16¢ and a rumor spikes them to 40¢, you can sell “Yes” shares for a quick profit.
• Fade PR stunts: Hill is an elite showman who understands leverage. Don’t overreact to every video. Use hype spikes to buy “No” shares on temporarily overvalued teams.

How to Trade Tyreek Hill on Kalshi

Trading NFL futures on prediction markets like Kalshi is a different analytical experience than traditional sportsbooks.

• Account setup: Fund your Kalshi account via bank transfer or wire so you have capital ready for breaking news.
• Navigate: Go to Sports → Pro Football and locate the “Tyreek Hill's Next Team” market.
• Execute: Buy “Yes” shares on a team or buy “No” shares to fade the public narrative.
• Monitor: Markets are fluid. You can sell your position at any time before Hill signs.

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