10 Reasons Raiders should be -3.5

[RobKahone]

1. Health vs Health
Raiders are dealing with a bye week vs the Steelers without Starks, Smith, and Ward?

2. Aso vs Wallace. Enough said!

3. Total Defense. Yes, Raiders 6th, Steelers 9th.

4. Rushing Offense. Raiders 2nd, Steelers 13th.

5. Beat ya last year on the road!

6. Total Offense. Raiders 12th, Steelers 24th.

7. Special Teams. Lechler and Janokowski vs Reed? Isn't he fired?

8. Momentum and preparation. Loss and Sunday night game.

9. Identity. Speed kills. (Al Davis is always right)

10. Pass Rush!! (Should be #1 but had to save the final dagger). Check it out, Raiders 3rd, Steelers 10th.

Lights Out!!!

[ChileCheese]

Nice analysis. I agree that all the points need to be taken into account concerning the line. I am shocked how big Pit opened. Im pretty sure OAK will cover this game.

[mart59a]

Respect from ChileCheese...that's a good thing.
Yeah Boy!...Raiders cover easy.

[RobKahone]

I think this one is being judged by last years coaches on NFL network and CBS! Lol!

Thanks for the respect guys! I breathe this game!

[ScottLocke]

Raiders -3.5?? so Vegas is 11 points off?... wow... I think this line is pretty sharp IMO

[HoulihansTX]

9. Identity. Speed kills. (Al Davis is always right)

Spew this kind of crap that urinal that the Raiders call a stadium.

[RobKahone]

Yeah. Ask the Chiefs, Broncos, Chargers and Seahawks. I'm sure they will agree, it's time to stop the Davis bashing because he is old. If only every team could have such a dedicated owner to winning, get it?

[ScottLocke]

LOL Raiders won't even make the playoffs and I can't even remember the last time they did... 2002?

[ChileCheese]

Raiders -3.5?? so Vegas is 11 points off?... wow... I think this line is pretty sharp IMO

I dont think Oakland should be favoured, but Im surprised its not closer to 6.5 or 7.

[mart59a]

C'mon guys...show some respect for the Raiders.

[ScottLocke]

I dont think Oakland should be favoured, but Im surprised its not closer to 6.5 or 7.

Maybe 7, but not 6.5... plus west coast teams playing 1pm games on the east coast have not fared to well.

[ChileCheese]

Scotty,
you play cards for a living right?

[ScottLocke]

Yup

[RobKahone]

I'll be here on Sunday Night! I will gladly eat crow if I am wrong, but I am still dumbfounded by the logic. Vegas is Wrong!! Book it!
And Scott, as and Eagles fan you of all people should know that speed kills!

[RobKahone]

Look at those numbers again with road teams off a bye week

[ScottLocke]

I'll be here on Sunday Night! I will gladly eat crow if I am wrong, but I am still dumbfounded by the logic. Vegas is Wrong!! Book it!
And Scott, as and Eagles fan you of all people should know that speed kills!

What happens on Sunday doesn't really matter(unless the Raiders absolutely blow the Steelers out), the line is sharp. The Raiders can absolutely still win this game, they just can't afford to have any big mistakes, while I think the Steelers could get away with a few.

[ChileCheese]

Where do you play and what game? Cash or SnG

[ScottLocke]

Look at those numbers again with road teams off a bye week

Historically losing teams tend to utilize the bye week better than winning teams, the Raiders went into the bye on a winning streak so I don't think this bye will really have any significance... If anything, it may have halted the momentum they built up.

[RobKahone]

Tourney better than sit and go but I'll gladly do a cash heads up on Full tilt

[ScottLocke]

Where do you play and what game? Cash or SnG

I live in Vegas, and play 2-5 nl cash and 8-16 limit omaha. Mostly at Venetian.

[ScottLocke]

Also, i'm not saying the Steelers are the right side in this game. I just think the line is good and i'll prob stay away from this game altogether.

[RobKahone]

Historically losing teams tend to utilize the bye week better than winning teams, the Raiders went into the bye on a winning streak so I don't think this bye will really have any significance... If anything, it may have halted the momentum they built up.

So, by having time to plan and rest at week 10 in the season is a momentum killer? Cable has taken out every player to dinner and asked about favorite movies and why they are inspirational. Then, before games put together clips of Braveheart, etc.. for inspiration! This is a TEAM now! Offense hangs with Defense, dig?

Intangibles win games.

[ScottLocke]

So, by having time to plan and rest at week 10 in the season is a momentum killer? Cable has taken out every player to dinner and asked about favorite movies and why they are inspirational. Then, before games put together clips of Braveheart, etc.. for inspiration! This is a TEAM now! Offense hangs with Defense, dig?

Intangibles win games.

They might not lose the momentum. I'm just saying, sometimes a team going into the bye can get a little content and a little lazy when they are winning. Obv this doesn't happen to every team, i'm just saying losing teams utilize the bye week better than winning teams historically.

[ChileCheese]

Historically losing teams tend to utilize the bye week better than winning teams, the Raiders went into the bye on a winning streak so I don't think this bye will really have any significance... If anything, it may have halted the momentum they built up.

I think you are right on this note,,, but I used that logic with WSH yesterday after their loss to DET, and thinking McNabb would play with a chip on his shoulder...
This whole season seems like everything is upside down.

[HoulihansTX]

Its the fukking AFC West.

all of those teams are garbage.

[RobKahone]

The Raiders have played well when the defense gets rest. I believe with Miller, Murphy, and Aso back this week all will be good. Especially with Ford stepping up with 3 huge receptions last week deep from Campbell, coupled with the emergence of Veldeer at left tackle, blocking for McFadden and Bush(Both starters). Walker has filled in well at RT as well, ironic.
Let's not forget the often double teamed(especially last week)Heyward-Bey.
The D speaks for itself. FAST!!

[RobKahone]

They might not lose the momentum. I'm just saying, sometimes a team going into the bye can get a little content and a little lazy when they are winning. Obv this doesn't happen to every team, i'm just saying losing teams utilize the bye week better than winning teams historically.

Keep in mind the injuries. Rested vs 2nd String

[HauntingTheHoly]

What line does everyone's book have? Doesn't vegas have the raiders at +7?

[V2daTizzo]

Raiders shouldn't be favorites but I'll gladly take the 7 points given to me

[letitburn]

Also, i'm not saying the Steelers are the right side in this game. I just think the line is good and i'll prob stay away from this game altogether.

steel

[raiders32]

I'm a Raiders fan, but I think they get beat bad this week.

[BlindWeasel]

This is a tough one, as I think the Steelers have faced a tougher schedule, but it's hard to argue with all those points in the OP.

[GunShard]

I like the Raiders out of the bye week with the points.

[Ninersnut]

I believe Hines is back for this game. No way he missing anytime. He wanted to come back in last game.

[D3 Mighty Ducks]

I'm watching that number very closely and I'm leaning Oakland + the points. Might even give them a shot on the ML haven't decided yet.

You can't argue with any of those 10 points. Good job