NaVorro Bowman to start TNF for Raiders vs. Chiefs

The Oakland Raiders host the Kansas City Chiefs tonight on Thursday Night Football, and it will feature a whole host of former San Francisco 49ers. Prior to Monday, the most notable were Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree. However, Monday saw NaVorro Bowman sign with Oakland after the 49ers released him the prior Friday.

Although it is a short week of preparation, the Raiders are planning on starting Bowman at middle linebacker, according to Ian Rapoport. The Raiders defense is pretty awful, but it is still pretty cool to see Bowman worked into the starting lineup after only a couple days of practice with the team.

The Raiders are struggling this season, having lost four straight following a 2-0 start to the season. Their defense has been a problem most of the season, and their offense has scuffled along lately as well. Losing Derek Carr to injury was a problem, but Amari Cooper’s inability to catch footballs has been a serious issues. Add in Marshawn Lynch’s own inconsistency this year, and the Raiders are in trouble.

That being said, I would not be at all surprised to see them spring the upset against Kansas City. The Chiefs are a field goal favorite, and the betting public has been heavy on them. I think Carr in his second game back from injury will take a step forward, and I would not be surprised to see a solid game from Marshawn Lynch against a shaky Chiefs run game.

But amidst all that, I am mostly just excited to see NaVorro Bowman on the field once again.