We are going to share the game update on the San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears. Football has emerged from its slumber after the conclusion of the summer and the arduous preparations of the preseason.
In addition, the first week of the 2022 NFL season will feature a showdown between two teams who have faced off against one another rather often in recent years.
The Chicago Bears kick off the new season by playing home to the San Francisco 49ers, a team that is seeking to make its third trip to the playoffs in the past four years. The Bears are working to turn their franchise back into a winner.
Both clubs have been the focus of several summer narratives, but at this point, they are eager to leave those in the rearview mirror and get on with the business of competing in the new season.
San Francisco 49ers (0-0) at Chicago Bears (0-0)
- Kickoff: Sunday, September 11 At 1 PM ET
- TV: FOX
- Spread: 49ers -7
Quarterbacks Take Center Stage
Last year’s 11th overall draft pick, Justin Fields, will face Trey Lance. As rookies, we heard about their potential; now is their opportunity. In 2021, both signal-callers were featured.
During his debut season, Fields switched with Andy Dalton and Nick Foles. He completed 58.9% of his throws for 1,870 yards, 7 TDs, and 10 INTs.
He was hurt and took 36 sacks. Fields have several “welcome to the NFL” moments. Bears supporters are optimistic following his preseason performance in Cleveland.
Fields completed 14 of 16 throws for 156 yards and three touchdowns. He had a 146.9 passing rating without an interception or sack. If Fields keeps playing well, it will assist Luke Getsy’s offense and the Bears overall.
Lance’s season was quite different. In six games as Jimmy Garoppolo’s replacement, he completed 41 of 71 passes for 603 yards and five touchdowns (just two interceptions and four sacks). The squad named him the starter despite his lack of experience.
Garoppolo reworked his deal to be Lance’s backup. The Niners couldn’t deal for the Chicago native. The Bears will have their hands full with Lance, but they train against Fields, who has a comparable talent, every week.
All About The Pass Rush
Robert Quinn will aim to restrict Lance’s impact. In ’21, he broke Richard Dent’s franchise record with 18.5, second only to T.J. Watt. Despite trade speculations since the draft, he’s still on the roster. The Bears need him to continue where he left off last season.
Nick Bosa of the 49ers was fourth in sacks last year (15.5). Last year’s opener against Detroit was his only sack, but he hopes to improve this year. He’ll try to weaken Fields. Whoever gets the better pass rush wins.
San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears Wild Cards
Bears linebacker Roquan Smith and 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel are intriguing. Smith skipped training camp for a new deal.
He’s outplayed his present one. Ryan Poles’ summer lockout prompted him to miss the preseason. Smith says he’s eager to play out his rookie contract and hopes for a new one next year.
Since Poles want Smith to play again, he’ll have to. He may be rusty due to missing the preseason, and he must filter away thoughts of a new deal. Roquan must perform again.
Samuel allegedly demanded a transfer but obtained a contract extension (three years, $73.5 million). The 49ers need him at full strength after his comeback from a knee ailment.
His contributions to the Niners’ passing, rushing, and special teams have been significant. Now he must repay the contract.
Samuel grabbed six catches for 171 yards against the Bears. He humiliated the Chicago defense, but he must be healthy for Sunday. Roquan Smith had six tackles and a loss in the game.
Final Analysis & Prediction: Prediction: 49ers 28, Bears 21
This is the eighth encounter between these clubs since 2014 (San Francisco leads 35-32-1), and the fourth at Soldier Field. Bears are 3-4 versus Niners in seven games. Elijah Mitchell (who has a hamstring ailment) ran for 137 yards and a score against the Bears last year. 49ers beat Bears 33-22.
I anticipate this year’s game to be closer than last year’s, but the Bears aren’t there yet. Unless they can slow down Lance, Mitchell, and Samuel (if they play), the Niners will win again at Soldier Field.
