Betting Odds
The addition of QB Carson Palmer makes the Raiders offense dangerous.
Total: 41
Chicago won their 5th-straight game with a decisive 31-20 victory over San Diego last Sunday. The win was costly however as QB Jay Cutler was lost with a broken thumb. Oakland won for the 4th time in six games with a 27-21 decision at Minnesota. It elevated them to sole position of first place for the first time in nine years.
QB Caleb Hanie takes over an offense that has averaged 32 points-per-game during their winning streak. This will be Hanie’s first career start and he lacks the rocket arm of Cutler. The Raiders spent the week watching film of the Chargers keeping RB Matt Forte in check and they will be wise to do the same. Forte is the leading rusher and receiver by a large margin on this team and is the focal point of the offense. While Oakland’s run defense has been very inconsistent, look for them to do a good job with Forte. None of the Bears’ receivers have more than 24 receptions and don’t provide a real threat to the Oakland secondary. The Raiders have done a good job of getting after the QB (28 sacks, 4th in NFL) but Chicago’s early-season, leaky pass protection has really stiffened during their current winning streak (5 sacks allowed in 5 games).
Oakland’s offense is predicated on the run and RB Michael Bush has been churning out the yardage in RB Darren McFadden’s (check status) absence. Chicago allows 4.9 yards-per-rush and can’t afford to bring a safety in the box with the speed the Raiders have at wideout. Rookie RB Taiwan Jones has also chipped in with a 4.6 yards-per-rush effort in McFadden’s absence. QB Carson Palmer continues to get more comfortable in the offense and has the patience to move the ball on this defense. The Bears strength is in the front seven and they are especially susceptible at safety. The Raiders pass protection broke down against the Vikings (4 sacks allowed) after surrendering only 11 before that. LT Jared Veldheer stoned DE Jared Allen last week and now must deal with DE Julius Peppers.
This would probably be a very different game with Cutler in the lineup as he has a lot of experience against the Raiders. We like Oakland’s ability to run the ball and feel their defense can contain Forte and force Hanie to make plays through the air.
Take the Raiders
Related Articles:
