Vegas odds: Bears vs. Raiders |
Another week, another game where the Bears are favored to lose. In all fairness, it seems they will certainly be without starting quarterback Justin Fields. Thus, the rookie Tyson Bagent out of Division II Shepherd is in line to be the starter. However, he did lead the team to their only touchdown drive of the game versus the Vikings last week.
For once, the Bears did not give up a lot of points; they have only given up 39 points over the last two games when they were allowing an average of 34.25 points per game in the first four games of the season. With the defense finally stopping offenses to some extent, this should be promising for Chicago to figure out how to win their second game of the season. But, that does not quite work for the over / under. They are currently favored to lose with three points with the over / under at 37.5. Last week was the first time this season the Bears did not cover the over. It appears the Las Vegas Raiders could be without their quarterback, Jimmy Garropollo, making this a duel between backup quarterbacks - Bagent versus veteran and former-Bear Brian Hoyer. Thus, it appears this would be a good time to bet the under. The game against the Minnesota Vikings was an anomaly for many reasons for Bears games. Besides not covering the over, this was also the first game since week three that receiver DJ Moore did not have a touchdown. With a backup quarterback where there is less chemistry between the two, he may be in line for another week without a touchdown. But he is also the No. 1 receiver, and Moore is necessary for the offense to be successful. Thus, if the Bears are going to have a chance in this game, Moore will need a touchdown, and therefore he would be a decent bet for an anytime scorer. A second-player prop would be for tight-end Cole Kmet. According to BetMGM, Kmet has hit over on his receptions in the last five home games. The Raiders are an average defense, so this is not a difficult defense for Kmet to hit the over against. Thus, this would also seem like a smart bet to make. Finally, running back Roschon Johnson could be an anytime scorer. The Bears will need to rely on the run game if they are going to have a chance of winning this game. Johnson would be the No. 1 back if he is cleared from concussion protocol. Las Vegas has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this season. While Chicago has only scored three rushing touchdowns this season, this is because they have been able to lean more on the passing game. With a different quarterback, this will be different.
