Oakland Raiders (2-1) at Chicago Bears (0-3)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Soldier Field, Chicago – TV: CBS
*TV announcers: Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Jamie Erdahl
*Keys to the game: RB Matt Forte experienced squeezed running lanes and faced an eight-man box at Seattle, with more of the same likely should Jimmy Clausen start a second consecutive game with Jay Cutler (hamstring) working toward a return this week or next. Forte is second in the NFL in rushing and the workhorse holds the key to the Bears finding the win column. Working on FS Charles Woodson in the slot might be the best route for the passing game to find wins, but Woodson has had the upper hand on Cutler in their meetings.
Raiders QB Derek Carr is spreading the wealth with 13 players catching a pass in the first three games. WR Amari Cooper leads all rookies with 20 catches and sidekick Michael Crabtree is the kind of big-bodied target the Bears are struggling to defend. To get Carr in the flow of the game, RB Latavius Murray should pick up where he left off last week (26 carries, 139 yards) as the Raiders set the blueprint for winning on the road.
*Matchup to watch – Bears LT Charles Leno vs. Raiders DE Justin Tuck and LB Khalil Mack: Leno isn’t as mobile and has shorter arms than Jermon Bushrod, who is recovering from a concussion and shoulder injury. Tuck’s reach and power combined with Mack’s explosiveness could spell doom for a hobbled Cutler.
*Player spotlight – Bears OLB Sam Acho: Trading Jared Allen meant a new starter opposite Pernell McPhee at outside linebacker, and coordinator Vic Fangio gave Acho first dibs because of his experience in a 3-4 defense and comfort with all the play calls.
*Fast facts: The Raiders were last over .500 in Week 16 of the 2011 season. … The Bears are last in the NFL in percentage of passes resulting in first downs (32).
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Oakland can’t possibly hop time zones for consecutive road wins after going 1-15 the past two seasons, right? The Raiders can, especially if they control the ball and get to the Bears’ quarterback.
*Our pick: Raiders 27-17.
