Cinncinnati Bengals (7-2) @ Oakland Raiders (2-7) 4:15 PM
Al Davis Likes Speed Coliseum – Oakland, CA
Oakland Raiders +10.5

According to ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary on Jimmy the Greek, Jimmy took the Raiders in Super Bowl XI. He took the game on a tip from Al Davis (who looked really old even then), when Al told him “We’re too fast for the Vikings.” Of course, Al was right and the Raiders cruised to a 32-14 victory.

With all of the zombie jokes, it’s easy to forget that Al Davis once built championship football teams. As we all know, this 2009 Raiders squad is not one of these teams.

This pick is less about the Raiders and more about a Bengals team that is coming off two enormous wins – division wins – when they were the public underdogs. They think they have alligator blood and all of a sudden the public seems to agree.

The Bengals are now the hot team to bet on and we actually think they’re very good. They could make some noise in the playoffs and their defensive pass rush has been exceptional. But after their two season-defining wins, will the inexperienced Bengals be able to avoid a letdown after a cross country trip to Oakland?

The Raiders are literally capable of anything. Playing the Raiders is like telling your 6’4 240 pound alcoholic friend who just broke up with his girlfriend that he should lay off the Evan Williams – he’s capable of reacting in 1,000 different ways, including punching your girlfriend, setting your house on fire, or beating the Bengals.

The Raiders taught the league a lesson when the ultra confident Philadelphia Eagles came to Oakland and were upset. Do the Bengals seem like a team who can learn from other’s mistakes? Don’t be with the squares. Bet with us and watch Oakland keep it close.