5 Raiders players to watch vs. Bears

The Chicago Bears got their first win of the season last weekend, and now they're hoping to get their first winning streak when they head out to the desert to take on the Las Vegas Raiders. Chicago (1-2) had a rough start to the season but got things rolling in their decisive 31-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday. Las Vegas (1-2) is trending the other way, having lost two in a row after starting the season out 1-0.

Both teams are hoping to get in the win column to climb back to .500 at the proverbial quarter mark of the season to keep pace in the early playoff race. For the Bears, they will need to make sure they watch out for a few key Raiders players while also working to take advantage of others. Here are five Raiders players we'll be watching when these two teams kick off.

1. QB Geno Smith

The last time the Bears faced quarterback Geno Smith, it was during one of the worst Thursday Night Football games in recent memory—and that's saying something. Smith, who was with the Seattle Seahawks, did just enough to lead his squad past the Bears in a 6-3 barnburner. He's off to a bit more of an explosive start in his first season as a Raider.

Through three games, Smith is second in the league in passing yards with 831, but he's also tied for second with four interceptions. Reunited with head coach Pete Carroll, Smith can still sling the ball and make plays downfield, though he's also prone to turnovers when the pressure gets too much in the pocket. Despite the 41-24 blowout loss to the Washington Commanders last week, Smith played well, throwing nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns. The Bears will need him to play more like he did against the Los Angeles Chargers two weeks ago when he tossed three picks to feel good about stealing a win on the road.

2. RB Ashton Jeanty

For months, Bears fans dreamt about the possibility of landing running back Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft as the missing piece in Johnson's offense. They never got the chance, as the Raiders selected him No. 6 overall, giving them a dynamic running back option to help move the ball. The only problem is Jeanty has put up pedestrian numbers up to this point.

In three games, Jeanty has averaged just 3.1 yards per carry while being a nonfactor in the passing game. The dazzling runner from Boise State is still looking for his breakout performance at the pro level, and there's a chance it comes against the Bears. They're a bottom-10 team when it comes to rushing yards allowed per game (139.3) and are still dealing with injuries across their defense. This could be Jeanty's coming-out party, and that would spell disaster for Chicago.

3. TE Brock Bowers

Tight end Brock Bowers is still waiting for his breakout performance of the season as he continues to heal from a knee injury that has slowed him down to start the season. But after being a full participant this week in practice, he could be close to being back to 100%, and that should scare the Bears. Bowers is one of the best young tight ends in the game after he broke multiple rookie records in 2024. As the Raiders' top receiving threat, Bowers will command a lot of attention from the Bears' defense.

After a strong Week 1 performance where he totaled over 100 receiving yards, Bowers has just 78 yards in his last two games. Considering his health and what Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson did to the Bears last weekend with a 13-catch, 89-yard outing, this could be a big spot for Bowers to make a lasting impact. Chicago will need to keep him at bay in order to limit the Raiders' offense.

4. OT DJ Glaze

We've looked at players who could be problems for the Bears on Sunday. How about a player who should provide them with opportunities to get after the quarterback? Right tackle DJ Glaze is off to a horrendous start to the season. Last weekend, he allowed two sacks, four hurries, and six pressures to the Commanders.

Up next, he will face Montez Sweat, the Bears' top edge rusher, who is starting to get hot at the right time. Sweat notched his first sack last weekend and can take advantage of Glaze with his size and speed. If the Bears are going to get the quarterback on the ground, Sweat will need to win this matchup. Fortunately, it's one that is in his favor.

5. DE Maxx Crosby

Death, taxes, and Maxx Crosby being a problem for opposing offensive lines. The four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher continues to wreak havoc for the Raiders and rarely ever leaves the field. Through three games, Crosby has two sacks and four tackles for loss with the opportunity to get more against the Bears this weekend.

While Chicago kept quarterback Caleb Williams upright for the entire game for the first time in his career, it's not something fans should come to expect. Especially against a player of Crosby's caliber. Couple that with right tackle Darnell Wright's elbow injury, and the Bears could be dealing with their own issues on the right side of the line. Whether or not Wright is healthy enough to play or Theo Benedet gets the start, head coach Ben Johnson will certainly prioritize neutralizing Crosby. Sooner or later, though, he's going to get home.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 Raiders players to watch vs. Bears