The 2026 NFL preseason kicks off with an exciting game between the Tennessee Titans and the San Francisco 49ers. This Week 1 matchup will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 9:00 PM. Fans can catch the game live on NFL Network, with the weather forecast predicting a warm night under scattered clouds.

The Tennessee Titans, led by head coach Robert Saleh, are looking to improve upon a disappointing 3-14 record from last season. The Titans will rely on the strategic minds of offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley to make significant improvements. With an AFC South division record of 0-6 last year, the Titans are eager to start fresh in the preseason.

On the other side, the San Francisco 49ers are coming off a strong 12-5 season, guided by head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers made it to the Divisional Round of last season's playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Seattle Seahawks. With a solid home record of 5-3, the 49ers aim to continue their success at Levi's Stadium in front of their home crowd.

In terms of betting odds, the Titans are favored with a moneyline of -150, while the 49ers stand at +126. The spread has the Titans at -3.0, and the total points are set at 39.5. As both teams gear up for the start of the new season, this game will provide valuable insights into the potential direction of each squad.

49ers vs Titans At a Glance (Preseason Week 1)

  • The Tennessee Titans will face the San Francisco 49ers in 2026 Preseason Week 1.
  • The game will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.
  • The Titans finished last regular season with a 3-14 record.
  • The 49ers completed last regular season with a 12-5 record and reached the Divisional Round.
  • The weather forecast for the game is warm with scattered clouds.
  • Consensus odds favor the Titans with a -150 moneyline and a -3.0 point spread.

49ers Ready to Start the Preseason with Promise Against Titans

Offensive Outlook

The San Francisco 49ers concluded the 2025 season ranked 9th in scoring, averaging 25.7 points per game. They were particularly strong through the air, with their passing offense ranking 5th in the league, racking up 244.5 yards per game. However, their ground game lagged behind, ranked 23rd with an average of 106.9 rushing yards per game.

Christian McCaffrey, who topped the rushing chart last season with 1,202 yards, will be a key player to watch as the 49ers look to improve their running game. With no preseason stats available yet, the focus will be on how the offense performs under new conditions and adjustments. Key injuries to players like Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall may impact their depth, but the 49ers have a strong foundation to build on.

Defensive Strengths

On the defensive side, the 49ers allowed 21.8 points per game last season, placing them 13th in the league. They excelled against the run, ranking 11th by allowing just 107.8 rushing yards per game. However, their pass defense struggled, ranking 25th and giving up 232.4 passing yards per game.

Nick Bosa remains a pivotal figure on the defensive line, expected to lead the pass rush once again. Injuries to defensive players such as Darrick Forrest and Mikail Kamara could test the 49ers' depth, but the team has proven resilient in the past. The defense's ability to adjust and cover for these absences will be crucial as they face the Titans.

Key Players to Watch

Brock Purdy and Mac Jones are the quarterbacks to watch as the 49ers prepare for the preseason. Purdy impressed last season with 20 passing touchdowns in just nine games. McCaffrey's dual-threat capabilities as both a rusher and receiver will be central to the 49ers' offensive strategy.

George Kittle's absence due to an Achilles injury will be significant, leaving Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell to fill the gap at tight end. On defense, Fred Warner's leadership as the middle linebacker will be crucial in maintaining the unit's structure and effectiveness.

Injury Report

The 49ers are dealing with a number of injuries that could impact their preseason performance. George Kittle is out with an Achilles injury, and Brandon Aiyuk is unavailable due to personal reasons. Other key injuries include Ricky Pearsall's knee and Andrew Farmer's back, both on injured reserve.

With multiple players on the injured reserve or physically unable to perform list, depth will be tested across various positions. The 49ers will need to rely on their depth chart and emerging talent to fill these gaps effectively.

Upcoming Games

The 49ers' preseason kicks off at home against the Tennessee Titans on August 13, 2026. This game will be followed by two away games against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders.

These matchups provide an opportunity for the 49ers to assess their roster, experiment with lineups, and prepare for the regular season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on September 10, 2026. The preseason will be vital for evaluating new strategies and player performances.

Team Betting Trends

  • The 49ers were 7-0 straight up as favorites in their last 7 regular season games in 2025.
  • Against the spread, they also went 7-0 as favorites during the same period.
  • In away games, the 49ers achieved a 4-0 straight-up record in their last 4 regular season games in 2025.
  • They were 4-0 against the spread in away games during the same period.
  • After a loss, they bounced back with a 4-0 record in their last 4 regular season games in 2025.
  • As favorites, their over/under record was 3-0 in their last 3 regular season games in 2025.
  • Overall, the 49ers were 6-1 straight up in their last 7 regular season games in 2025.
  • Against the spread, they were 6-1 in the same period.
  • The over/under record for away games was 5-1-1 in their last 7 regular season games in 2025.
  • After a win, they were 5-1 straight up in their last 6 regular season games in 2025.
  • They were also 5-1 against the spread after a win in the same period.
  • For all games, the over/under record was 9-4-1 in their last 14 regular season games in 2025.
  • In preseason games from 2024 to 2025, they were 4-1 against the spread.
  • With totals ≤ 42 in preseason games, their record was 4-1 against the spread.
  • At home, they were 5-2 straight up in their last 7 preseason games from 2021 to 2025.
  • The over/under record at home was also 5-2 in the same period.
  • After a win, they were 5-2 against the spread in their last 7 preseason games from 2021 to 2025.
  • In regular season games after a win, the over/under record was 6-3-1 in their last 10 games in 2025.
  • In preseason games, the over/under record was 3-1 in their last 4 games from 2024 to 2025.

Titans Prepare for Preseason Showdown with 49ers

Quarterback Situation

Cam Ward will be leading the Tennessee Titans this season after a notable 2025 performance. Last year, Ward threw for 3,169 yards, ranking 17th in the league, along with 15 touchdowns. Backup quarterbacks include Mitchell Trubisky and Will Levis, providing depth at the position.

Running Back Depth

The Titans' running back roster is highlighted by Tony Pollard, who rushed for 1,082 yards and five touchdowns last season. Tyjae Spears offers additional depth, having contributed with 283 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 2025. This duo is expected to power the ground game as they take on the 49ers.

Wide Receiver Core

Calvin Ridley and Chimere Dike lead the wide receiver group, with Ridley expected to make an impact this season. Last year, Dike recorded 48 receptions for 423 yards. Elic Ayomanor also stands out after securing 41 receptions and 515 yards in 2025.

Tight End Contributions

Gunnar Helm takes the role of the primary tight end for the Titans. Last season, he made 44 receptions for 357 yards and scored two touchdowns. David Martin-Robinson will support Helm in tight end duties, aiming to enhance the Titans' offensive flexibility.

Defensive Standouts

The Titans' defense aims to improve from their 2025 performance where they ranked 27th in opponent scoring, allowing 28.1 points per game. They excelled in sacks, recording 42, which was the 8th best in the league. Key defensive players like Jeffery Simmons and Jermaine Johnson II will be pivotal in this preseason matchup.

Special Teams Overview

Joey Slye returns as the primary kicker, having made 28 field goals last season. His consistent performance will be crucial in close games. The Titans also rely on Chimere Dike for kick return duties, adding value to their special teams unit.

Team Betting Trends

  • The Titans have a perfect 7-0 record in over/under bets in their last 7 preseason away games.
  • In their last 6 preseason home games, they have won all 6 outright.
  • As preseason favorites, they have an 8-1 record in the last 9 games.
  • They have covered the spread in 5 of their last 6 preseason home games.
  • In regular season games with totals ≤ 42, they are 4-1 in their last 5 games.

49ers vs Titans Prediction: Over 39.5

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a strong offensive season, ranking 9th in points scored per game. While it is a preseason game, their offensive efficiency could still shine through against the Titans. Considering their offensive strength, I anticipate that the 49ers will be able to score effectively.

The Tennessee Titans, despite a poor season record last year, managed to score over 16 points per game. Their struggles on defense, allowing over 28 points per game, suggest that they might continue to concede high scores. This could be beneficial for the overall total, pushing the game towards the over.

Historically, games between these two teams tend to have higher scores. The last regular season meeting in 2025 resulted in a total of 61 points, showcasing their potential to surpass the set total. Given these factors, the over 39.5 is a strong consideration.

With the 49ers likely to play to their offensive strengths and the Titans potentially leaking points, I foresee a scenario where both teams contribute to surpassing the 39.5 total. A projected final score of 49ers 27 - Titans 21 supports the over pick.

  • 49ers vs Titans Prediction: Over 39.5
  • 49ers vs Titans Score: 49ers 27 - Titans 21

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Stay Ahead

Get more picks and sports insights in your inbox

Subscribe to the Knup newsletter for weekly NFL previews, sports business notes, and ecosystem updates.