We’ve yet hit the halfway point in the NFL season and it’s abundantly clear the Oakland Raiders are eyeing 2019 and beyond. Prior to the season, Oakland decided to part ways with defensive star Khalil Mack. Earlier this week, they unloaded talented but inconsistent wide receiver Amari Cooper. In return, the Raiders now have three first round picks for next year’s draft. News has also surfaced that quarterback Derek Carr has lost the confidence/and respect of his teammates. And to top it all off, running back Marshawn Lynch was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. From a betting perspective, Oakland is 2-4 ATS with one cover coming via a 3-point overtime win over Cleveland as -2.5 chalk. And there’s no doubt that the recent “rebuild” talk has had a lasting impression on bettors. Indianapolis is a below average NFL team at 2-5 yet the Colts opened -1.5 road chalk and currently sit -3. Indy is two weeks removed from being a +2.5 road underdog to the New York Jets. When was the last time you saw a home team off of a bye week go from +1.5 to +3? 

“We’re building this thing in concert together, I’m talking about me and coach Gru,” general manager Reggie McKenzie said. “We’re doing this thing together. When we make a deal, I think these picks are going to help this team tremendously, bottom line. It’s something I saw as a great opportunity. We’re not tanking this season. These guys will have to step up and continue to work to win some ballgames. That will always be the case.”