San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears Preview (9/11/22): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

The Trey Lance era for the 49ers will begin with a trip to Chicago to take on Justin Fields and the Bears. After a final four appearance last year, the 49ers are giving 2021 3rd overall pick Trey Lance the reins to the offense, in hopes of Lance propelling the Shanahan offense to new heights. On the other side, new head coach Matt Eberflus takes over a Bears team with the priorities of improving the culture and bringing the play of quarterback Fields to the next level. Eberflus will have the challenge of turning this team around with limited talent after key players WR Allen Robinson, LB Khalil Mack, and DE Akiem Hicks departed this offseason.

San Francisco 49ers Vs. Chicago Bears Betting Odds

In last year’s matchup between these two teams, the 49ers beat the Bears 33-22 in Chicago. The Bears had a 13-9 lead at the half, but Deebo Samuel’s 83 yard catch and run on 3rd and 20 changed the momentum of the game. Deebo’s 171 receiving yards and Elijah Mitchell’s 137 rush yards at 7.6 yards per carry ultimately pushed the 49ers to take the game. While the 49ers offense will be different behind Trey Lance, expect Deebo and Mitchell to play a heavy role once again. For the Bears, they will have to count on Fields to play one of the best games of his young career and for Trey Lance to show his inexperience Sunday.

San Francisco 49ers Vs. Chicago Prediction

I pick the 49ers to win 24-14 and cover the spread. The 49ers talent outweighs the majority of the Bears roster, especially with the Bears lack of proven skill position players. Even if Trey Lance misses throws or commits turnovers, expect the 49ers defense, run game, Deebo Samuel, and Kyle Shanahan’s play calling to bail him out, just like they did many times for Jimmy Garoppolo. Justin Fields will likely make some key plays, but still fall short against a loaded 49ers defense featuring all pros Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. For the Bears to have a chance, Justin Fields will have to make many out of this world plays while the Bears defense, led by Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith, will need to force stops and turnovers from Lance.

Prediction: 49ers win and cover 24-14

Betting Trends

49ers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
49ers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 road games.
Bears are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog.

Key Injuries

San Francisco 49ers Injuries: RB Elijah Mitchell (Hamstring) Q, WR Deebo Samuel (Knee) Q, OT Daniel Brunskll (Hamstring) Q, OT Mike McGlinchey (Knee) Q, OT Jaylon Moore (Leg) Q, OT Trent Williams (llness) Q, DE Arik Armstead (Knee) Q, DE Drake Jackson (Shoulder) Q, ILB Oren Burks (Knee) Q, CB Ambry Thomas (Knee) Q, CB Charvarius Ward (Groin) Q

Chicago Bears Injuries: RB Trestan Ebner (Ankle) Q, WR Byron Pringle (Quadriceps) Q, OG Lucas Patrick (Thumb) Q, DE Dominique Robinson (Leg) Q, S Jaquan Brisker (Thumb) Q, Roquan Smith (undisclosed) Q

San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups and mismatches for San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears below.

Deebo Samuel vs the Bears Secondary

For the 49ers offense, the performance of Trey Lance will obviously play a major factor in how well they put up yards and points this Sunday. The good news is Lance does not have do it alone, particularly when he has ace weapon and 2021 all pro Deebo Samuel. If Lance can get the ball in Samuel’s hand, Samuel can take care of getting yards after the catch to help drive the 49ers down the field. For the Bears secondary, they will want a strong game plan to keep the ball away from Samuel as much as possible, particularly after Samuel was second in the league in yards after the catch last year.

Justin Fields vs 49ers Pass Rush

Unlike Trey Lance, Justin Fields does not have multiple all pros at his disposal with limited weapons outside of wide receiver Darnell Mooney and running back David Montgomery. One tool Fields can use to give his team an edge is his running ability. In last year’s game versus the 49ers, Fields had his best rushing performance of the season with 103 rushing yards, which included juking the defense out for an impressive 22 yard touchdown run. If Fields can once again pick up first downs and touchdowns with his legs, it will give the Bears the best chance to sneak an upset win. On the other hand, if the 49ers contain Fields and keep him in the pocket, Fields and the offense can expect a long day.

If a #Bears fan in your life is sad or mad they don’t have a 1st round pick send them Justin Fields’ TD run against the Niners and you’ll brighten their day. pic.twitter.com/bVXueAjZPI

— Danny Parkins (@DannyParkins) April 29, 2022

San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

QB: Trey Lance
RB1:Elijah Mitchell
RB2: Jeff Wilson Jr.
RB3: Tyrion Davis-Price
WR1: Deebo Samuel
WR2: Brandon Aiyuk
WR3: Jauan Jennings
TE1: George Kittle

Chicago Bears Depth Chart

QB: Justin Fields
RB1: David Montgomery
RB2: Khalil Herbert
RB3: Trestan Ebner
WR1: Darnell Mooney
WR2: Byron Pringle
WR3: Equanimeous St. Brown
TE1: Cole Kmet