National Football League

Why the Raiders will beat the Bears

Published Nov. 24, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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I’ve been a major critic of the Carson Palmer trade. And I still think it was the absolutely wrong move for the Raiders. You don’t mortgage your future and deal a first round draft pick and a second rounder that could turn into a first for an aging, retired quarterback.

But don’t look now. The Oakland Raiders are the clear favorites to win the AFC West. Can you imagine a home playoff game in the black hole? It’s going to happen.

The Raiders have the Chicago Bears on FOX this Sunday and I cannot wait. Oakland gets a gigantic break with Jay Cutler out due to his fractured thumb. I wrote on Tuesday that the Bears will still make the playoffs and go 4-2 in their final 6. This game in Oakland will be one of their 2 losses.

I loathe this match-up for the inexperienced Hanie. While the Bears offensive line has been playing much better, and while maligned offensive coordinator Mike Martz has done a great job in recent weeks calling the plays and establishing balance, I think Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly will dominate in the trenches. Kelly had a game against Minnesota where he finally lived up to the contract that Al Davis gave him years ago. The Raiders have too much beef and athleticism on their defensive line.

On the flip side, Hue Jackson has finally figured it out. Carson Palmer’s birth certificate doesn’t lie. He is in fact an aging quarterback who was retired a month ago. You don’t chuck it around haphazardly with a quarterback like that. You pound the ball. And even with Darren McFadden sidelined, Michael Bush has taken over and proven to be a monster. Bush looks like he did at Louisville before a devastating injury, meaning he is the ultimate blend of power and speed. The Raiders offensive line has played well the last 2 weeks against the Chargers and the Vikings. Jared Allen was a total non-factor last Sunday and that is note-worthy. Jared Veldheer did an excellent job on Allen. As a result, Palmer is able to throw on just 40 percent of the offensive plays and take cracks deep to the likes of Denarius Moore. That’s when Carson is at his best, when you don’t ask him to air it out like he’s playing for the Bengals in 2007. The Bears defense is strong. Brian Urlacher and company have been playing great. Chicago’s received great contributions from the defensive line. But it is not easy to face the Raiders in Oakland.

Hue Jackson must be smart and not kick to Devin Hester.

The Raiders must be smarter and limit the penalties. I hated Hue Jackson’s postgame anti-ref rant on Sunday. He should be focused on getting his team to play smarter and better.

Give me the Raiders by a touchdown over Caleb Hanie.
 

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