A Crossroads in the Desert
The Chicago Bears and Las Vegas Raiders are set to clash at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2025, in a pivotal Week 4 matchup with significant implications for both franchises. Both teams enter the contest with identical 1-2 records, desperately seeking a victory to reach the .500 mark and steer their seasons in a positive direction. For the Bears, a win would provide valuable momentum heading into their Week 5 bye.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET, and while the game will be broadcast on CBS, many national markets, including the Raiders’ former home state of California, will instead air the Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs game, limiting the national audience for this intriguing contest.
Contrasting Momentum
The two teams enter this game on opposite trajectories. The Bears are riding high after securing their first victory of the season, a convincing 31-14 upset over the Dallas Cowboys. The win was powered by a stellar performance from quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw for 298 yards and four touchdowns, earning him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. The performance showcased the potential of the offense under new head coach Ben Johnson, which currently ranks in the top ten in the league for both total yards and points per game.
Conversely, the Raiders are looking to halt a two-game slide. After a season-opening win, Las Vegas has struggled, culminating in a lopsided 41-24 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 3. The Raiders’ offense has been hampered by protection issues, with quarterback Geno Smith being sacked 12 times through three games. Defensively, the team ranks 23rd in the league in yards allowed per game, a vulnerability the Bears will aim to exploit.
Injuries and Key Matchups
While the Bears have momentum, they will face the Raiders significantly shorthanded. The team has ruled out several key starters due to injury, creating major challenges on both sides of the ball.
Bears Inactives:
- RT Darnell Wright (elbow)
- TE Colston Loveland (hip)
- CB Kyler Gordon (hamstring)
- DT Grady Jarrett (knee)
- LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring)
The absence of Darnell Wright is particularly concerning, as it forces undrafted rookie Theo Benedet into his first NFL start at right tackle. His primary assignment will be to contain Raiders’ star defensive end Maxx Crosby, a matchup that could heavily influence the game’s outcome. The Raiders are also dealing with injuries, most notably ruling out starting tight end Michael Mayer.
Betting Odds and Historical Context
Despite their recent struggles, the Raiders enter the game as slight 1.5-point favorites, with the over/under for total points set at 47.5. The confidence in Las Vegas is likely tied to their home-field advantage and the Bears’ extensive injury list.
Historically, this rivalry has been tightly contested. The two franchises have met 17 times, with the Bears holding a narrow 9-8 all-time series lead. Chicago won the most recent matchup in October 2023, a 30-12 victory. As noted by digitaltrendstoday.com, early-season divisional games and matchups between teams with identical records often prove to be defining moments in a long NFL season. This Week 4 clash is set to be another hard-fought chapter in the history between these two storied teams.
