After a fantastic bounce-back performance last week in Soldier Field, the Bears (1-2) will travel to Las Vegas this Sunday to face off against the Raiders (1-2). Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had arguably the best game of his career last week and Maxx Crosby and the Raiders will be tasked with killing his momentum. Losers of two straight, the Raiders have struggled to find their footing this season, especially on offense. Troubled by the slow start of 1st-round rookie running back Ashton Jeanty and health issues of last year’s 1st round selection tight end Brock Bowers, Vegas sits at 26th in points scored in this young season. Luckily for them, they match up this week against a Bears defense that has allowed the 4th most points this season and gives up the most yards per play in the NFL (6.7). Notably, however, the defense held up nicely last week against an above-average Cowboys offense, only allowing 14 points and shutting Dallas out in the second half.
Keys to the Game
Bears
- Stack Positive Offensive Line Performances
The Bears offensive played very well last week, allowing 0 sacks and only 1 QB hit. It’s impressive performance enabled the offense to run smoothly, ultimately leading to Chicago’s first victory of the season. If the unit can do something similar this week against DE Maxx Crosby and the Raiders pass rush (which grades out at around league average in sacks and pressures), Caleb Williams and his weapons will reap the benefits. Las Vegas’ secondary has struggled mightily, allowing the 6th most net yards per pass attempt this year and only having reeled in 1 interception. If Williams is given ample time in the pocket, he and Ben Johnson should be able to pick it apart.
- Shut down Ashton Jeanty
2024 college phenom Ashton Jeanty has gotten off to a slow start for the Raiders. Although he certainly is passing the eye test in my opinion, the efficiency and big numbers just haven’t been there. As a result, Vegas ranks 30th in both rushing yards and yards per carry this year. The Bears need to keep things this way in week 4. Once Jeanty gets going, I think this offense is going to take off. The only game that Vegas won this season, Week 1, also happens to be the game where Jeanty turned in his lone touchdown of the season. Chicago needs to keep him off of the statsheet (and the highlight reel).
Raiders
- Force Bears to Run
Chicago has found much more success through the air this season than on the ground. They rank 15th in rushing yards and 18th in yards per carry, and just haven’t felt dangerous rushing the ball. If they can’t find success passing the ball on Sunday, they won’t be able to muster up many points. This is why the Raiders’ secondary needs to step up. Veteran DBs like Jeremy Chinn or Eric Stokes need to show up, or Maxx Crosby needs to be an absolute game-wrecker up front. However it happens, if Chicago’s passing attack isn’t working, the Raiders will have a good chance of winning.
- Get the Young Guys Rollin’
I expected the Raiders offense, headlined by Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, to be fun and exciting this season. While it has gotten off to a rocky start, the season is still young. With Bowers hopefully a bit more healthy than he was last week (he returned from injury but didn’t appear to be 100%) and Jeanty gaining experience by the day, the Raiders need the young guys to get off their horses. A Week 2 Tre Tucker 3-touchdown legacy game is cool and all, but it will be Jeanty and Bowers’ performances that translate into wins for Las Vegas. With Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson reeling in 13 catches last week in Chicago, Bowers could be in line for a big game. If one of their young studs can have a signature performance, the Raiders will have a good shot.