Chicago Bears (7-3 SU, 6-4 ATS) vs. Oakland Raiders (6-4 SU, 7-3 ATS), 4:05 p.m. EST, NFL Week 12, Sunday, November 27, 2011, Oakland-Alameda County Stadium, Oakland, California, TV: Fox
by Scotty L, Pro Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Chi +4.5/Oak -4.5
Over/Uner Total: 41.5
Bet Da Bears/Raidas game at an online sportsbook where you can make Chicago +24.5 or Oakland +15.5 by placing them into a 20 point football teaser. This bookie also offers -105 reduced juice betting on sides and totals: 5Dimes.
The Chicago Bears travel to West to take on the AFC West-leading Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Both teams have enjoyed successful seasons so far, but the attention on this game immediately turns to Chicago QB Jay Cutler. Injured trying to make a tackle on an interception runback on Sunday, the Bears’ field general will miss at least the the last 6 games of the regular season. The Bears went from being 7-3 and looking good beating the Chargers to a team with a dicey future.
The Bears are a team that relies heavily on defense and their running game, so maybe the situation isn’t so dire. A number of veteran quarterbacks are also available. As it stands now, however, they are handing a 7-3 team off to QB Caleb Hanie, a name that might not necessarily inspire confidence. Even if an acquisition is made, it is doubtful that player will be ready by Sunday. Watching the Bears this season, it is clear that Cutler was a big part of their success, which includes a current 5-game winning streak. It’s a big loss.
The right medicine for their woes is probably something other than going to Oakland to face the first-place Raiders. With the loss of QB Jason Campbell, the Raiders took a step back as they struggled for a few weeks. The irony is hard to miss, as the Bears are likely in that same spot this week. It took new QB Carson Palmer a little time to find his bearings and the Raiders now have their legs under them, winning two in a row and assuming the top spot in the AFC West.
Now it remains to be seen if he Bears can absorb such a key personnel loss and keep playing well. Sometimes when you have a forward-moving machine like the Bears have been in the last five games, there is something to be said for inertia. This train is on a winning track and even with the conductor out of commission, don’t expect an immediate derailment.
TIRED OF YOUR CREDIT CARD NOT WORKING FOR DEPOSITS? END THAT PROBLEM TODAY BY SIGNING UP AT BODOG
The defense is giving up a little over 16 points per game during their 5-game streak. Bears’ RB Matt Forte is nearing 1000 yards and you don’t have to be Johnny Unitas to dish him off the ball on short passes, as he also has 46 receptions. With return threat Devin Hester also in high gear at the moment, this is a team that still figures to score points.
In defeating the Vikings on the road on Sunday, Cutler was 17-23 and Michael Bush ran for 100 yards. Bush’s performance with Darren McFadden out for the last 4 games has been phenomenal, with 454 yards rushing. They lose McFadden’s breakaway potential, but Bush has filled in nicely. It was disconcerting to see leading receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey carried off the field on a stretcher on Sunday and he listed as questionable for the Bears game. But as has always been the case this season, expect other players to step up if Heyward-Bey is unable to go. But with starting center Samson Satele also questionable after a concussion, it’s clear that Chicago isn’t the only team suffering from injuries.
With only a pair of divisional games remaining, Oakland needs to win these games. If Denver continues to play well or if San Diego has their customary second-half explosion, the 6-4 Raiders’ divisional lead could be in peril. Expect a passionate Raiders crowd. They are usually raucous and will be even more so now that they actually have something to get excited about for the first time in a while. Projected Bears’ starting quarterback Caleb Hanie, or whoever they put in there, figures to have an uncomfortable afternoon.
Scotty L’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Cutler didn't figure to be a major player in this Sunday's game anway, as it'll be the Matt Forte show because Oakland can't stop the run. The Raiders appear to be hot, but the truth is that they've gotten their last two wins versus a Charger team that was really banged up and a Vikings team that beat themselves! My prediction is the Bears and the points. I think Chi. wins straight up too!
Editor's Picks - Each week our in house pro's tackle the week's card and make predictions on the week's games ATS! Best bets, top plays, premium selections, etc. FREE!
Expert NFL Picks - Free premium plays from the "real" expert football handicappers from around the web. Don't fall for second rate picks from ESPN, the NFL Network, Hank Goldberg or the screaming touts on TV.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We forecast the loudest barking dog of the week. Expect a 60% winning percentage with these plays.
Favorite of the Week Play - We examine "the chalk" and determine the safest bet in which who you should lay the points with. Forecasting winning favorites long term isn't easy, but we've had some pretty good luck with it over the years.
The Armchair Quarterback Predictions - ACQ makes an appearance at Predictem to give out his much coveted troika of free weekly NFL picks. Put your helmet on and tackle your bookie with these sick picks. He is simply FLAT NASTY!
Line Movement Plays - We report all the major line moves from the gridiron and forecast whether it's public money or sharp action causing the move.
NFL Consensus Picks - See what the general public is betting on. We use this info to fade the public to the tune of big profits over the course of the season.
NFL Trends - Don't ever let anybody tell you that the trend is your friend. These picks make great fades which is exactly what we do with them.
Monday Night Football Picks - The ultimate bailout play. Our MNF picks are golden and have hit 62% or better 3 out of the past 4 years. (Last season was a disaster!) Did we mention that their FREE?
Superbowl Predictions - Our take before the season on who we think will win Superbowl XLVI. We'll update with a final pick based on the actual remaining teams a week prior to the big game at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5th, 2012.
Super Bowl Picks - Everybody here in the Predictem office takes their best preseason shot at predicting the winner Superbowl 46. Pride is on the line here! Oh, and LOOT too! Picks will be updated a 2nd and final time two weeks before the Super Bowl plays.
Free UFL Picks - Point spread predictions for the United Football League each week of their season (starting in October).
5Dimes - Bet your NFL football picks at -105 odds every day of the week! 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Pleasers and huge point buying opportunities as well!
Intertops - Tired of deposit hassles? Bet on football using your credit card at a sportsbook where your Visa CAN and WILL work for deposits!
SBG Global - Best parlays odds online! Get paid 12-1 on 4 team parlays! Best at accepting credit cards for deposits too!
Football Bets - We explain all the different types of wagers that you can place on an NFL game and give advice on which ones good and which are sucker bets. We also explore the value of betting at reduce odds.
Superbowl Betting - We explain all the different types of wagers you can making including point spread bets, totals, moneylines and prop bets.
Statless NFL Handicapping - The quick, easy way and yes, it's effective!
Betting NFL Underdogs - It's the first thing you should consider every Sunday. We explain why.
Choosing an Online Sportsbook - We talk about things to consider before you commit to play at one.
Famous Football Quotes - From the inspirational to the greatest touchdown calls of all time. We've got them!
Pro Football Hall of Fame - A full list of NFL players who have been inducted into the NFL HOF.
The Spread - Offers free NFL football predictions, matchups, stats including both offensive and defensive and more!
Fantasy Football Sites - Get recommendations on where to find weekly updated player news, depth charts and legit websites that offer the best stat and record tracking for your fantasy football league.