Week 4 NFL Odds: Oakland Raiders at Chicago Bears

QB Derek Carr is now in charge of a surprisingly effective offense.

Oakland Raiders at Chicago Bears
Time: NOON ET, Oct 4 2015
Spread: OAK -3.5
Total: 44.5

Betting odds c/o Bovada

The Oakland Raiders have crept out to a 2-1 record and are favored in this week’s matchup against an 0-3 Chicago Bears team that is even worse than it was expected to be this season. The betting total for the game is set at 44.5.

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The Raiders are looking to hand the Bears its first 0-4 start in 15 seasons, and Oakland itself had not accomplished a winning season since ’02. But head coach Jack Del Rio had a vision and he expected things to turn around. He wants to put the past struggles of the Raiders where they belong, and all indications are that is in the process of happening.

Having cut ties with a ridiculously poor Darren McFadden, the Raiders have managed to coax pretty solid production from its No. 1 back Latavious Murray. Murray has rushed for 248 yards on 52 attempts (4.8 per carry) while scoring two TDs on the year and helping Oakland to nine first downs. He also has yet to commit a fumble and has been solid, if unspectacular.

Oakland has no other backs to speak of, with QB Derek Carr ranking No. 2 in rushing yardage with just 30 on the year (in only four attempts, at that).

Carr nevertheless has been stellar in the pocket where he has thrown 63.3 percent for completion while amassing 726 yards and an 8.1 yard per attempt average. He has been sacked just once on the year, and has thrown five TD passes to just one INT. His top receiver Amari Cooper has been brilliant, with 20 receptions leading the team en route to 290 yards, though he does have just one TD on the year and ha fumbled once (not recovered).

Texas Tech product 28-year old Michael Crabtree has 184 yards on 18 catches (though he has been targeted a team-high 33 times). The Raiders have seven passing TDs on the year with both Marcel Reece and Seth Roberts contributing two apiece.

Of the offensive power, Del Rio said, “It’s important to have weapons available.” And the Raiders most certainly do this season.

The Bears meanwhile are devoid of weapons for the most part, and first-year coach John Fox is a little bewildered with the lack of success, adding “We haven’t won our first game yet and we’re doing everything in our power to get that accomplished.”

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The Bears dealt a poorly performing pass rusher in Jared Allen for a sixth round pick, and LB Jonathan Bostic was also shipped to New England for an undisclosed pick. It is clear Chicago is looking toward the future already after its dismal start, even if Fox is still valiantly trying to secure elusive victories.

Chicago signed Chris Prosinski and LaRoy Reynolds to strengthen its special teams, which has allowed kickoff returns for TDs in both of the last two games.

GM Ryan Pace spoke to the moves, saying “Whether it is acquiring additional picks or signing players, we continue to be aggressive in finding ways to improve our football team.” That improvement may not come this year, and RB Matt Forte is not doing well in a contract year. Change is on the way for the Bears and it will be lucky to stay within a TD of Oakland, despite being just 3.5 point dogs in the game.

BETTING TRENDS:

Oakland
Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Raiders are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 250 yards passing in their previous game. Raiders are 7-18-1 ATS in their last 26 games following a ATS win. Raiders are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. Raiders are 2-8-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a S.U. win. Raiders are 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a losing record. Raiders are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 90 yards rushing in their previous game. Raiders are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 4.

Chicago
Bears are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating less than 250 total yards in their previous game. Bears are 6-15 ATS in their last 21 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game. Bears are 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game. Bears are 7-20-1 ATS in their last 28 home games. Bears are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a SU loss of more than 14 points. Bears are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall. Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in Week 4. Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Bears are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Bears are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games in October.