Last Week: Chargers 28, Raiders 14
Las Vegas squandered a chance to emerge as the lone remaining undefeated team in the AFC heading into Week 5 by getting thoroughly outplayed in LA. The Chargers’ pass rush and passing offense were too much for the Raiders, which had just one first down at halftime and trailed 21-0 behind three touchdown passes from opposing quarterback Justin Herbert. Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller caught back-to-back scores for the Raiders in the third quarter, but the Raiders ultimately couldn’t complete the comeback.
This Week: Bears (2-2) at Raiders (3-1)
When: Sunday, October 10, 1:05 p.m.
Where: Allegiant Stadium
TV: CBS (Channel 8)
Radio: 920-AM, KOMP-92.3
Betting line: Raiders -4.5, over/under: 45.5
Matchup: The Bears travel to Las Vegas following a wild two-week span during which they showed good progress under rookie quarterback Justin Fields. Pressed into action after a knee injury to veteran Andy Dalton, Fields’ first professional start was rocky, to say the least. Chicago had one of the least-efficient offensive performances in NFL history with only 47 total yards in a 26-6 loss at Cleveland. The Bears rebounded to beat the Lions 24-14 last week; Fields wasn’t asked to do much but showing flashes of his potential, finishing with 209 yards on 11-for-19 passing. Chicago coach Matt Nagy has said Dalton will remain the Bears’ starter once healthy, and he could return in Las Vegas.
Raider to Watch: Safety Johnathan Abram
Whether Dalton or Fields plays Sunday, the Bears will be the run-heaviest team the Raiders have seen since a Week 1 win over the Ravens. That will mean a chance for Abram, a third-year pro, to showcase his improvement in new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme. Abram was overly aggressive last year and continually cost the Raiders against the pass, but now he plays more of a hybrid safety/linebacker position—his primary responsibilities are in stopping opposing run games. The Chargers gashed the Raiders for 5 yards per carry last week, and it will largely be up to Abram to lead a bounce-back performance.
