The Chicago Bears (+5.5, +205) are playing the Las Vegas Raiders (-5.5, -240) this Sunday at 4:05 PM EDT. The over / under is set at 44.5.
The Bears played last Sunday, beating the Lions in a 24-14 blowout. On Monday Night Football, the Raiders lost to the Chargers 28-14.
This season is perhaps the most important for Raiders coach Jon Gruden, as he finally appears to have the pieces for a playoff run. Gruden’s squad is 3-1 to start the season and has impressed throughout. Quarterback Derek Carr has been a big reason for the team’s success, with tight end Darren Waller also contributing. The Raiders actually opened as 7-point favorites, and the public clearly took interest in the Bears to bet them all the way down to the current line of -5.5.
For lack of a better term, the Bears have been somewhat of circus act so far despite being 2-2. There has been coaching controversy, quarterback controversy, and many feel even the general manager is on the hot seat. Rookie Justin Fields has been named the official starter moving forward, and he looked sharp against the Detroit Lions last weekend, throwing for 209 yards. It looks like starting running back David Montgomery will be sitting this one out as he suffered a knee injury in the last game.
Two trends jump off the page in this matchup: the Bears are 2-6 against the spread in their last 8 games, while the OVER has hit in 7 of the last 9 Raiders games. Neither team has shown noteworthy defense in the young season, so it is a bit baffling that the over / under sits at a measly 44.5.
We’re going with hot Shark player anonymous33 and taking Las Vegas Raiders -5.5 (-108). Given the offensive struggles of each team, expect a low-scoring affair as well, making the UNDER somewhat attractive. Overall, the injury to Montgomery and the poor defense of the Bears give the Raiders an indisputable edge.
Be sure to get the Shark Book app before you punch any tickets. You’ll see why they call it a handicapper’s best friend!