NFL Week 7 Odds 2011: Unless you live under a rock, then you’ve seen it everywhere: the Oakland Raiders have acquired quarterback Carson Palmer from the Cincinnati Bengals. Beating the NFL trade deadline by hours, Hue Jackson had his hand in brining the former No.1 overall pick to the Bay Area.
In return, the Raiders gave up a 2012 first-round pick and a 2013 second round pick; that could turn into a first rounder if Palmer and the Raiders win a playoff game this season. The question is: did the Raiders give up too much for Palmer? Get $50 in Free NFL Picks here!
Obviously, the answer to that question remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain, with Jason Campbell seemingly out for the year, leaving Kyle Boller or Terrelle Pryor to run the offense would have meant a disastrous end to the Raiders’ once-promising season.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Palmer said during the Raiders press conference. “I understand what’s expected of me. I know what playing quarterback is about, and it’s about winning. I want to come in, contribute and do whatever I can to help this team.”
Given the familiarity between Palmer and Jackson’s system, everyone is expecting to see the 31-year-old, former Heisman Trophy winner to start this week when the NFL Point Spreads favorites, (4-2) Oakland Raiders [-4] host their division rival (2-3) Kansas City Chiefs [+4]. This game gets underway Sunday afternoon at 4:15 PM ET on CBS Sports.
“This guy can play and he knows how to play the game and he knows how to elevate the players around him,” Jackson said. There’s no question you go on offense as good as your quarterback is. I think he’s one of the best and that’s why he’s on this football team now. I didn’t bring him here because he was just a guy sitting out there. I brought him here because I think he can help this team win a championship.”
