Sunday | 1:00 ET
This is the quarterback matchup fans have been pining for, right? Lucky fans in Chicago on Sunday will be presented with three hours of Tyson Bagent versus Brian Hoyer. With both the Bears and Raiders dealing with injuries to their starting QB’s, this game could get ugly. Chicago is dealing with a heap of injuries, including QB Justin Fields, starting RB Khalil Herbert, second-string RB Roschon Johnson, starting Pro-Bowl safety Eddie Jackson, guard Nate Davis, and cornerback Terrell Smith, all of whom have already been ruled out for Sunday’s contest. 2023 first round draft pick Darnell Wright did not practice on Thursday due to a shoulder injury, so his status is also up in the air. The intrigue around Chicago is centered around the play of former D-II quarterback Tyson Bagent, who looked great during the preseason and probably fits OC Luke Getsy’s offense better than Justin Fields.
The Raiders have their own issues. With Jimmy Garrapolo out, they will turn to either veteran Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O’Connell. Star WR Davante Adams has been in the headlines this week, unhappy with his lack of involvement in the offense. Still, Las Vegas is on a two game winning streak and has a chance to secure a winning record heading into Week 8.
I am excited to see what the Chicago offense looks like. Justin Fields’ biggest flaw is his tendency to hold onto the ball for too long. In Bagent’s first NFL action last week, the difference between the two QBs was noticeable. Fields obviously has much more talent, but Bagent seemed more decisive. I actually think that Bagent has a chance to excel on Sunday because he is the type of quarterback that Luke Getsy’s ideal offense needs. The offensive gameplan will probably look similar to that of Week 1 and 2, when Getsy was trying to force Fields into being a pocket passer.
The Raiders defense has been solid this year. It ranks 10th in PFF run defense grade and 12th in PFF coverage grade. The group is headlined by superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby. He is a game wrecker who ranks second in PFF run defense grade and sixth in PFF pass rush grade among edges this season. Assuming he plays (he does have an injury designation), he is almost guaranteed to receord at least one sack against Chicago’s make-shift offensive line. If Darnell Wright can’t play, undrafted tackle Aviante Collins, who has only played three NFL snaps, will be forced into action. Crosby would feast.
The Raiders offense hasn’t been playing well this season. Only seven teams have scored less points this year, and three of them have already had their bye week. This is not due to lack of weapons; Davante Adams is still arguably the best WR in the game, and RB Josh Jacobs was the NFL’s rushing leader last year. This week is the perfect opportunity for the Raiders to piece things together and see what their offense is capable of.
I think that Chicago’s offense will look better than most are expecting, but it’s impossible to pick the Bears to win. Adams will be heavily involved due to his comments this week, which is bad news for the Bears defense. He and Maxx Crosby will lead the Raiders to the road victory.