Oakland Raiders: 4 Bold predictions vs. Bears, Week 5
By Steve Rivera
2. Raiders get no home-field advantage
The Oakland Raiders are “hosting” the Week 4 matchup against the Bears. It’s disappointing, especially for local rank and file fans who won’t be able to be a true “home-field advantage.”
That’s a problem for any team that makes the trip across the Atlantic. The NFL is committed to these games regardless of the toll it takes on teams and the home fans who have to watch on TV. While the bye week is helpful if not necessary, it’s hardly the upside of going to London.
It also evens out the event. If this game is in Oakland, the Raiders have an advantage, albeit a slight one. Against a team like Chicago and that monster defense, any advantage is good.
Look for and expect the neutral field to be a leveling of this game. Like a college bowl game, designating a home team is only a matter of formality. The Raiders would have been better served with this Week 5 game in Oakland. It is a disadvantage playing in London and the final score will show that.
Lastly, you won’t find a fan, coach, or team who thinks these locations are good for regular season football. They aren’t. Whether the NFL ever decides to place a franchise there remains to be seen. Until then, these seasonal trips across the Atlantic only serve the commissioner of the NFL, and no one else.