What’s Happening In Vegas

Entering the weekend, there are a few interesting betting notes coming out of the City Southeast of the Biggest Little City in the World: Las Vegas. There’s no insight on how to make money from these tidbits, but they’re interesting nonetheless. So put your Andrew Jacksons back in your pockets (that includes DraftKings, it’s not worth it) and enjoy.

The Oakland Raiders Are Favorites

For the first time in 27 games, the Raiders are favored against the Chicago Bears this weekend. The last time Oakland was the favorite was November 3, 2013 against the Eagles. They lost 49-20. The last time Oakland was favored on the road, like they are this week, was September 16, 2012 against the Dolphins. They lost 35-13. It’s been a rough road for the Raiders from Jamarcus Russell to Matt Leinart, Matt McGloin, Matt Schaub. Any Matt, really. They may finally have a quarterback for the future in Derek Carr and a star receiver Amari Cooper to go along with him. Good for them.

The Over/Under For Texas Tech vs. Baylor Is 90.5

That’s a big number. Lots of points. According to ESPN Stats & Information, that’s the highest NCAAF over/under since at least 1990. One can argue whether or not that’s more like arena football rather than actual American football, but it’s entertaining. ESPN notes that Texas Tech quarterback Pat Mahomes is questionable with an ailing knee, so the line might dip to 88. His knee is apparently worth 2.5 points.

The Chicago Bears Super Bowl Odds Are 1000-1

Not to pile on the Bears, but their odds dropped from last week at 300-1 to 1000-1. Full disclosure, I don’t follow the Super Bowl odds from week to week, but that’s a significant fall in just seven days. The Bears got shut out by the Seahawks last Sunday 26-0. And no, you can’t blame Jay Cutler. Jimmy Clausen was under center for this debacle and went 9-17 with a paltry 63 yards. Also hurting their odds, was the shipping away of Jared Allen, a tacit acknowledgement that entering week four, their season is over.