Coming off an upset win in Indianapolis, the Raiders head overseas to take on the Bears, and a familiar face; Khalil Mack.
Game Info
Teams: Chicago Bears (3-1) @ Oakland Raiders (2-2)
Time: 10:00 AM PT
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
TV/Radio: Fox, Raiders Radio Network
Storylines:
Raiders face Khalil Mack for the first time
This Sunday, The Raiders will face Khalil Mack for the first time since the infamous trade a year ago. Mack has flourished in this stout Bears’ defense, and for the first time, he’ll have to try and sack his old buddy Derek Carr. This trade has received a TON of criticism, and Sunday’s game will go a long way to proving that right or wrong
Bears QB Situation
Trubisky left last week’s game against the Vikings with a dislocated left shoulder, and he’s been ruled out of Sunday’s game. Starting in place of him will be veteran Chase Daniel. Daniel has started four games in his career, and he’s tallied a 68.5% career completion percentage, to go along with five touchdowns, and three interceptions.Â
While Daniels is a downgrade from Trubisky, Mitch himself hasn’t been impressive this year. With a strong defense to help the veteren backup, it shouldn’t be too much of a downgrade. Daniels played well enough against Minnesota for the defense to carry him to a win, and that’s all he needs to do for Chicago this sunday.
Key Matchups:
Khalil Mack vs Kolton Miller, Trent Brown
All eyes will be on 52 Sunday morning, as he plays his former team for the first time. Both Miller and Brown have looked impressive this year, but Khalil Mack is a whole different animal. Add in the fact that Mack will be looking for revenge against his former team, and you’ve got a very tough task for the Raiders tackles. With the Bears intimidating pass rush, Carr is going to need to continue to get rid of the ball fast to help out his O-line.
Paul Guenther vs Matt Nagy
With the Raiders struggling defense matching up against a struggling offense and a backup QB this week, these two play callers will be under a lot of pressure. The Bears offense hasn’t looked very impressive this year, and with a backup QB this week there’s not a lot of promise for it to look any better.Â
The Raiders defense has left a lot to be desired this year as well, although they looked better last week in Indianapolis.Â
If the Raiders want to compete in this game, Guenther MUST win this battle.Â
Gareon Conley vs Allen Robinson
Conley can play a massive role in this game. With Daniels starting, he’s likely going to lean on Robinson, his top receiver, but if Conley can take that away the Bears offense will have a much tougher time on Sunday. Conley has had a decent year, and him playing well this week will be vital to the Raiders success.
Prediction:
I think the Bears leave London with a close win. Daniels plays well enough, and the Bears’ defense plays very well, carrying them to a victory.Â
17-10 Bears
