Bears rookies Tyler Scott and Tyson Bagent are good friends who sit next to each other on the team plane; that can't hurt when it comes to this prop. But the more significant factor is that the Bears are eager to see what they have in Scott, following the trade of Chase Claypool and Equanimeous St. Brown's injury. Scott got a 21.4 percent target share once Bagent entered in the third quarter vs. Minnesota. Scott played 39 snaps in the 19-13 loss after playing just 64 snaps total in his three other games. Scott was targeted a season-high four times, catching two passes. Look for the rookies to connect at least twice Sunday.

With Jimmy Garoppolo out, the Raiders will turn to Brian Hoyer as their starting quarterback. He came on in relief of Garoppolo last week against the Patriots, completing six of 10 passes for 102 yards. He’s more of a game-manager at this point in his career, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him look for Josh Jacobs often on check-down passes. Jacobs has already been heavily involved in the passing game, receiving at least five targets in each of the last five games. The Bears have given up the most receiving yards in the league to opposing running back, setting up Jacobs with the opportunity to have a productive game.

The Bears secondary finally got healthier last week and did a great job against the Vikings' pass-catchers, but Chicago still gave up four receptions and 28 receiving yards to Alexander Mattison. That's been a trend, with the Bears allowing 51.1 receiving yards per game to RBs. That gives Jacobs, who's averaging about six targets per game, a chance for a big receiving day in this matchup, especially if the Chicago secondary holds strong again this week.

The joys of being a Bears fan regarding the QB position. If you had asked me who Tyson Bagent was this time last year, I might have guessed a former Backstreet Boy. Of course he's starting Sunday with Justin Fields out. I have officially waived the white flag on this season -- tank the rest of the way and pick No. 1 (Carolina's) and 2 in the 2024 draft. We at least know what Brian Hoyer is under center, and that Raiders roster is leaps and bounds better than Chicago's. Josh McDaniels might be a bottom 10 coach in the NFL but he's still about 11 spots better than Matt Eberflus (I rank him 33rd). The Bears have many other injuries as well.

Chicago has been somewhat stingy defending the run but not as much defending running backs out of the backfield. Five RBs in the past three weeks have exceeded this receiving total against Chicago's defense. Jacobs is playing with a backup QB who likely will check down several times and on the season, he's averaging four catches per game. I think a 25+ yard day through the air, if not higher, seems reasonable for Las Vegas' star running back.

We're likely going to see either Brian Hoyer or Aidan O'Connell vs Tyson Bagent in this game. If you remove both teams' QBs from the equation, pound-for-pound the Raiders have the better overall team. And they've shown that on the field this season at times. Expect the experience, roster and talent to help them cover.

Justin Fields suffered a hand injury on the Bears first drive on the 3rd quarter ultimately causing him to miss the remainder of the game. Fields was relieved by Tyson Bagent a highly productive D2 QB and signed as an UDFA. Bagent locked on to DJ Moore with 43% of his attempts going to Moore who ultimately caught 4 passes for 43 yards in just under one half with Bagent under center. The Raiders aren't a pass defense to fear and I expect Bagent to pepper his number one receiver with plenty of targets Sunday.

No Justin Fields takes a bad Bears offense and makes it non-existent. Raiders like to win ugly and expect Jacobs to run 25 times or more again. Plenty of FGs, too. Raiders are under in 5 of 6 and Bears no longer a quick-strike team with over tendencies without the QB. Raiders over 18 points once with RZ issues (25th). First team to 17 wins

The quarterback situations for both squads cloud the matchup. Best to grab the -3 now in light of Justin Fields' dislocated finger that could force the Bears to start undrafted rookie Tyler Bagent out of the NCAA's Division II Shepherd University. The Raiders might send out their own rookie if Jimmy Garoppolo (back) is laid up. Aidan O'Connell, a fourth-rounder, carries more credentials than Bagent and has a (decent) start under his belt. Or Vegas could opt for veteran Brian Hoyer. The Bears' 29th-ranked defense could make it easy on either.