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The Chiefs-Raiders line has been all over the place since opening at Raiders -4. This is due to the uncertainty in regard to who will start as quarterback for the injured Jason Campbell.
Sportsbook.com Line & Total: Oakland -6 & 41.5
Opening Line & Total: Raiders -4 & 43
Former Bengals QB Carson Palmer makes his Oakland debut when his new team hosts surging Kansas City on Sunday.
Palmer, who was acquired for two draft picks, is expected to start under center despite having been retired all year. The Raiders felt forced to make this bold move after QB Jason Campbell suffered a broken collarbone in last week’s win versus Cleveland. But the reason the Raiders will win this game is because of their rushing attack (160 YPG, 2nd in NFL) led by Darren McFadden. The Chiefs have gotten better performances from QB Matt Cassel in their past two games (both victories), helping to make up for the Week 1 loss of RB Jamaal Charles. The Chiefs once enjoyed traveling west to Oakland, going 13-5 SU (14-4 ATS) in the past 18 road meetings, but the Raiders are 5-2 (SU and ATS) in the past seven matchups overall, including last season’s sweep.
After being held to less than 175 net passing yards in its first three games, K.C. has surpassed 240 in its two wins. The Chiefs have turned the ball over just once during their three-game ATS win streak, with Cassel throwing 7 TD and 1 INT during this run. He could have another big day against an Oakland pass defense allowing 284 passing YPG (fifth-worst in NFL). WR Dwayne Bowe has been huge this season with 403 yards and four touchdowns in his past four games. RB Jackie Battle has been dealing with a sore neck, but he’s expected to start on Sunday. In the last game, Battle rushed for 119 yards on 19 carries (6.3 YPC). Fullback Le’Ron McClain is also dealing with a neck injury, but he is also expected to be in uniform.<P>
Although Palmer came to Oakland with a heavy price tag, his career record as starter in the NFL is a subpar 46-51. He will likely be eased into the offense, meaning McFadden will have a heavier workload than usual. McFadden leads the NFL with 610 rushing yards after gaining 91 yards with a TD in last week’s win versus Cleveland. McFadden had 114 total yards in his only game against the Chiefs last year, and considering K.C. ranks 21st in rushing defense (120 YPG), he should have another huge game. The Raiders defense has done a tremendous job stuffing the run in the past two weeks, allowing only 135 yards (2.9 YPC) to Houston and Cleveland. However, Oakland suffered some tough news this week as DE Matt Shaughnessy was placed on IR due to his shoulder injury. Shaughnessy had 56 tackles and seven sacks last season.
- Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
