Owner Al Davis stated that this year’s Raiders team looked like his Raiders of the past that won Super Bowls in 1981 and 1984. The Raiders, who have lost 11 or more games every season since 2003 will be looking to live up to the expectations set by Davis as the Jason Campbell era begins in Oakland. Jay Cutler was supposed to be the answer to the Bears offensive woes last season but wound up handing the other team the ball whenever he stepped on the field, throwing 26 interceptions. Cutler will be looking to get back to form and play the way he did when he was the quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

NFL Betting: Oakland Raiders @ Chicago Bears
Online Betting Odds: Bears -1

Why To Bet On The Raiders

The Raiders have had issues at the quarterback spot for years, until now. JaMarcus Russell is out and Jason Campbell is in. Campbell has spent his entire career with the Washington Redskins and showed that he has the potential to be a great quarterback; he just needs the other pieces to the puzzle. With the emergence of wide receiver Johnny Lee Higgins as well as running backs Michael Bush and Michael Bennett who had strong showings in their preseason debuts, the Raiders offense is making an impact this season. The defense, which has had difficulties stopping the run is led by Tommy Kelly and former New England Patriot Richard Seymour and looks as if that will no longer be a concern. Free safety Michael Huff and cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha are a force to be reckoned with and will make opposing quarterbacks think twice before throwing in their direction. The Raiders offense looked good in their first preseason game having 129 yards rushing and scoring two touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. This was primarily due to backup quarterback and former Baltimore Raven Kyle Boller who threw for 148 yards and no interceptions. The Raiders defense will be difficult for the Bears to contain as they sacked the Cowboys quarterbacks six times and picked them off twice, one of which was for ran back for a touchdown.

Why To Bet On The Bears

Jay Cutler can only get better after having a terrible season where he threw 26 interceptions. Having a year under his belt with the Bears and understanding the offensive sets will allow him to make good decisions when the ball is in his hands. The signing of Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers and having Brian Urlacher back in the lineup after missing the entire regular season with a wrist injury will give the defense a huge boost. The Bears defense, which has always been one of the most feared, is going to look scary for opposing quarterbacks with Peppers coming from the blind side and Urlacher up the middle. A bright spot for the Bears is backup quarterback Caleb Hanie who went 10-for-17 for 148 yards and a touchdown. Another bright spot for the Bears offense is second-string wide receiver Devin Aromashodu who had a touchdown in his preseason debut. On a final note, even if he only plays one quarter we all know what Devin Hester can do if the ball is kicked in his direction.

How The Game Will Play Out

After giving up 25 points to the San Diego chargers the Bears defense looks as if it will take a few more games before they can make a significant impact. With the likes of running backs Bush and Bennett’s ability to keep the defense honest and Boller playing well, the offense will have their way against the Bears defense and the Raiders will stay undefeated in the preseason.

Raiders Bears Betting Pick: Raiders

Posted on August 22nd, 2010 by admin
Filed under: NFL football betting