There hasn’t been much to brag about for either of these storied franchises in recent years. In fact, it has been eight years since the Raiders or 49ers have produced a winning season. Unfortunately, this trend may continue, considering Oakland is 2-3 and San Francisco is 0-5.
NFL odds makers have some good news for 49ers fans, though. They expect San Francisco to record its first win of the season on Sunday. They have listed the 49ers as a 6.5-point favorite with the total set at 41
While odds makers have been wrong the three other times they have favored the 49ers, this is the first time they have favored them by more than three points.
Niners fans certainly hope the books are right because their team is currently suffering from its worst start since 1979. In that season, San Francisco started 0-7 and finished 2-14. It may also be damaging to a team with playoff hopes to know that no team has ever rebounded from an 0-5 start to makes the postseason. To that I say, never say never.
Despite a horrible start, the 49ers are only three games back in the NFL’s weakest division.
The key to getting in the win column this week is plain and simple--stop turning over the football. San Francisco is last in the NFL with a minus-10 turnover differential, and quarterback Alex Smith is a big reason why.
Smith has thrown an NFL-worst nine interceptions. The 49ers had five turnovers in their three-point loss to Philadelphia last week. A fumble by Smith, which led to an Eagles touchdown in the fourth quarter, was especially costly.
Both of San Francisco’s home losses have come by a combined six points. They had opportunities to win both of those games despite committing a total of nin...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
