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Chicago Bears vs. Oakland Raiders: Spread Info, Line and Predictions
November 26, 2011
The Chicago Bears will face their biggest test of the season as they head out to the bay to play the Oakland Raiders, and they will have to do so without star quarterback Jay Cutler.
Cutler suffered a thumb injury last weekend against the San Diego Chargers and it appears that he will be out for at least a few weeks.
The news couldn't be any worse for a 7-3 Bears team that is right in the middle of the wild-card hunt.
The Raiders are also starting to think playoffs, but unlike the Bears, they are doing so from the top of their division.
At 6-4, Oakland has a slim lead over Denver in the division, and with the Broncos and Chargers squaring off this weekend, the Raiders could use a win to gain more ground.
This is a huge game with tons of playoff implications for both teams.
Where: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
When: Sunday Nov. 27. 4:05 p.m. EST
Watch: FOX
Spread: -4
Oakland has been rather inconsistent at home this season at 2-3, but the Bears are without Cutler so this is a safe bet.
Over/Under: 41
The Bears are defensive minded and without their starting quarterback. Oakland averages 23.5 points per game. It's going to be close, but I say go with the under.
All Betting Information Courtesy of ESPN.com
Key Injuries:
Bears: Quarterback Jay Cutler out (thumb), cornerback D.J. Moore doubtful (ankle).
Raiders: Quarterback Jason Campbell out (collarbone), wide receiver Jacoby Ford out (foot), running back Darren McFadden out (foot), defensive end Jarvis Moss out (hamstring), running back Taiwan Jones questionable (hamstring), wide receiver Denarius Moore questionable (foot), wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey questionable (neck), safety Michael Huff questionable (ankle), cornerback Chris Johnson questionable (hamstring), safety Michael Mitchell questionable (ankle), defensive tackle Richard Seymour questionable (knee), running back Manase Tonga questionable (knee).
Big Fantasy Plays:
Start: Matt Forte is obviously a must-start every week, but this week he may be the best fantasy start in the league. Without Cutler, the Bears are going to rely on the running game and Forte.
Sit: The Bears are allowing 270.7 yards per game through the air, but Carson Palmer has been inconsistent so far this season with six touchdowns and seven interceptions. Sit Palmer, as the Bears defense is very opportunistic.
Keys To Bears Win:
If the Bears want to win this game, and keep themselves in the playoff talk, they are going to have to rely on their defense.
They say defense wins championships, and now it's time for the Bears to prove that statement. No offense to Caleb Hanie, but everything about this team must now revolve around the defense.
Keys To Raiders Win:
Plain and simple, blitz the quarterback.
Hanie is in his first NFL start, and he has to do so on the road at Oakland, which is pretty daunting.
The Raiders can't let him get comfortable or confident, so they must blitz.
Prediction:
The Bears' hot streak must come to an end, as I don't think they can do it without Cutler.
Bears 9, Raiders 17
