Sports betting tells us that the Oakland Raiders still going with JaMarcus Russell as their starting quarterback.That may not be the best news considering that the Raiders were an online sports betting flop with Russell leading them last season.
Sports betting had the Raiders looking at a possible quarterback competition between Russell and Jeff Garcia but it never developed because Garcia has not been healthy. Head coach Tom Cable said that Russell would start the sports betting season opener against the Chargers on September 14th. “At this point, he’s the quarterback of the Oakland Raiders,” Cable said, “Unfortunately, Jeff hasn’t had much work.” The Raiders are 7 point online sports betting underdogs at the sportsbook in their home opener against the Chargers.
Garcia has not played much in the sports betting preseason but said that he will be ready if the opportunity presents itself. “That opportunity isn’t presenting itself, and I realize that,” Garcia said, “I’m not in a position where I can necessarily compete for that starting job. That’s not the role I’ve been given.” It is not the first time that Garcia has started the season as a backup and then came in as a starter. In 2006 he came in and took over for the injured Donovan McNabb with the Eagles and in 1999 he came in as a rookie for the injured Steve Young with San Francisco. “I don’t wish anything bad on the position,” Garcia said. “I hope the position is extremely successful. But if the opportunity presents itself, I know I’ll be ready for that opportunity.”
In other sports betting news for the Raiders, the team announced that middle linebacker Kirk Morrison is out for the next two weeks but should play in the opener against San Diego. Morrison was looking to be the starter as he was outplaying Ricky Brown before getting hurt as online sports betting indicated. Online sports betting tells us that the Raiders are also dealing with an injury to Pro Bowl punter Shane Lechler as he is out with a groin injury. Sports betting tells us that wide receiver Javon Walker is set to practice this week for the first time. He is coming off an ankle injury.
Oakland is a big longshot in Super Bowl sports betting odds this season at the sports book but some people believe they will be improved from last season. With Russell at quarterback that is definitely optimistic thinking.