SPORTS N STUFF

While both the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders can be regarded as contenders that lost their franchise quarterbacks due to injury, the Bears have to be wishing that they had beaten the Raiders to the punch heading in to their week 12 tilt this Sunday. While the season was still young enough for Oakland to go out and acquire Carson Palmer to be their starter, the Bears will be forced to roll with Caleb Hanie as their No. 1 guy, potentially for the remainder of the sports betting year after Jay Cutler suffered a broken bone in his hand.

Chicago Bears @ Oakland Raiders
Sunday November 27, 2011 4:05 PM ET
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California
NFL Betting Lines: Oakland Raiders 4

While the Bears are left with an unproven commodity in Hanie, Oakland has strung together consecutive wins under the experienced Palmer in order to climb back on top of the NFC West division. The Raiders still have a lot of work to do if they are going to lock up a playoff spot, and that road continues this weekend at home before consecutive road games to follow.

Bears Raiders Betting Preview: Chicago Bears

Hanie was thrust into the spotlight the last time that Cutler was injured, but the Bears can breath a sigh of relief that this time it isnt the NFC Championship game. Head coach Lovie Smith is hoping that Hanie can manage the offense well enough to get Chicago into the playoffs, at which point Cutler could be ready to make his return. Even if he does a good job, the bears are unlikely to give too many attempts to Hanie rather than rely on their rushing attack, which ranks 14th in the NFL anyway. While Chicagos defense has done a solid job against the run, they have struggled against the pass, and will need to find ways to bring pressure on Palmer if they are going to extend their winning streak past five.

Bears Raiders Betting Preview: Oakland Raiders

The Raiders suddenly find themselves alone at the top of the AFC West, and in control of their own playoff destiny. Now the focus has to remain on the task at hand and taking each game as it comes, something that shouldnt be a problem for a veteran group. Quarterback Carson Palmer has steadily improved with every passing game as he continues to work off the rust, and it helps that Oakland owns the leagues third-ranked rushing attack. Where the Raiders have struggled is on defense, particularly against the run, an area they will need to demonstrate improvement in this weekend. Oakland will play three of its next four on the road so winning this game at home will be crucial.

Bears Raiders Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

Even without Cutler the Bears should be able to stay in this game with a strong rushing attack and a solid performance from their defense. The Raiders are coming around with Palmer under center and learning to win as a team, but while they should be able to clinch another victory at home, they too have several significant sportsbooks injuries that will keep them from pulling away.

Bears Raiders Betting Pick: Chicago Bears