Sports betting players are always looking for an underdog to ride to a big win, and in the NFL this season, there’s no shortage as there is a number of awful teams, maybe more than at any point in recent memory. This week’s pick may shock you, but it’s all set up for Oakland this week.

Bengals vs Raiders odds – Sunday, November 22, 4:15 PM ET

Cincinnati (7-2) beat Pittsburgh for the second time this year in an 18-12 win in Steeltown, and NFL betting players must have been surprised to see the Bengals beat the Steelers at their own game: with defense. While they only gained 218 yards themselves, including 61 on the ground, the Bengals held the Steelers to 226 yards and 80 rushing yards. Carson Palmer wasn’t spectacular by going 18-of-30 for 178 yards, but he didn’t make any mistakes. The Bengals scored the game’s only major when Bernard Scott ran a kickoff back 96 yards. However, it came at a cost as Cedric Benson left with a hip injury.

The Raiders (2-7) are finally giving JaMarcus Russell the boot after a 16-10 loss at home to Kansas City, as he was 8of-23 for 64 yards. Bruce Gradkowski came in and went 5-of-9 for 49 yards and a couple of picks, but he seemed to be willing to make plays, and if they turn into mistakes, so be it. The Raiders’ coaching staff has never felt that confidently in Russell, who will be on the bench this week. Michael Bush ran for 119 yards, and even if you’re an NFL betting player, if you’re into fantasy, go get him.

NFL betting odds in your sportsbook have the Bengals as a 9.5-point favorite on the road, and even though they’re 4-0 on the road, they’ve yet to go to the West Coast this year, and time difference is a little-referenced factor in sports. In fact, the Bengals haven’t been out west since 2007, when they lost to Seattle and San Francisco. Cincinnati have won three in a row, including wins over tough Baltimore and Pittsburgh teams, and they’re due for a letdown as they head into an easy stretch (at Oakland, home to Cleveland and Detroit). Oakland could get a spark with Gradkowski at the helm, and let’s face it, he’s no worse than Russell. Combine that with an underrated Oakland defense, and 9.5 points is too many to lay with the Bengals.

NFL picks: Raiders +9.5