The Chicago Bears enter another big game as underdogs, but they shouldn’t be underestimated. The San Francisco 49ers are missing many key players. The Bears have multiple favorable matchups they can use to win this game. It will ultimately come down to Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams being their best selves to secure another Bears victory.
Here is my analysis of how the Bears stack up against the 49ers at every position:
Quarterback
Brock Purdy has not been fully healthy this season, but he still has performed at a high level and has helped this 49ers offense overcome the lack of talent. In most years, people will talk down on Purdy for having all the talent in the world; this season, he is making the lack of talent he has to work with work still. Caleb Williams is headed in the right direction, and he has been just as good as any quarterback in the NFL in clutch time. Caleb has been a prolific player, and he has yet to reach his full potential. Even with room left to improve, I believe Caleb Williams is the better quarterback in this matchup.
Running back
Both run games have been dominant this season, and there could be an argument to be made that the Bears have the better run game. However, the better running back resides in San Francisco. There are not many players in the league who have been better than Christian McCaffrey, let alone running backs. McCaffrey has been the backbone of the 49ers’ offense, leading his team in receiving yards with 849 yards, and as expected, leads the 49ers with 1039 yards on the ground. McCaffrey is on pace to be the first player in NFL history with multiple 1000-yard receiving and rushing seasons. McCaffrey is as good as it gets at running back.
Playmakers
The 49ers have been dealt a poor hand with injuries on both offense and defense. Thankfully, they have had Swiss Army Knife Christian McCaffery, and still a top tight end in the league in George Kittle, to help pick up the slack in the playmaker department. Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne both have had great moments this season, and both have at least 500 yards this season. While the Bears have exciting playmakers and better depth, the 49ers have had better production and have been a more reliable bunch for Brock Purdy.
The Trenches
Trent Williams has led this group for many years, but the rest of the offensive line is nowhere near Williams’ caliber. They have been good enough to keep McCaffery and Brock Purdy productive. Caleb Williams has the better group protecting him and the more dominant group in the run game. There are not too many offensive lines in the NFL that are better than the Bears. The Bears’ offensive line will prove that in this game by dominating a young 49ers defensive line. The Bears’ defensive line, on the other hand, has not nearly been as dominant as the offensive line. Montez Sweat, with 9.5 sacks on the year, is the best pass rusher in this game. Not many matchups do the Bears’ defensive line have the edge, but with more experience and better interior guys, I give the nod to the Chicago Bears. I think Austin Booker and Montez Sweat will each get a sack in this game.
Linebackers
Now that the Bears have Tremaine Edmunds back and fully healthy, and the 49ers have quite the hole at this position without Fred Warner. Robert Saleh has gotten the most out of what he has left to work with and has had the 49ers’ defense playing at a high level. I do not think that will be enough to cover up this positional comparison, as the Bears’ linebackers will make more plays and play a key part in getting the Bears a victory in this matchup.
Secondary
The Bears’ secondary is getting healthier, and with C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s play, the Bears have not missed Kyler Gordon as much as they were expected to. Jaylon Johnson should no longer be on a pitch count, and Nahshon Wright and Kevin Byard will both be coming right off their Pro-Bowl nomination. The Bears have the better secondary, and they should be able to limit the 49ers’ playmakers to a degree to help them secure a victory. While the 49ers secondary will have their hands full with verus Colston, Loveland, D.J. Moore, and Luther Burden. The Bears’ playmakers will win that matchup all game long.
Special teams
The Bears’ special teams have hit their stride as of late, and that has been a big reason for victory in many of the Bears’ last games. Whether it has been Cairo Santos, who has been lights out, or Josh Blackwell, the Bears’ special teams ace, making big plays like recovering an onside kick versus Green Bay. If it comes down to special teams in this one, I trust the Chicago Bears more.
Coaching
This will be a really good test for Ben Johnson. Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh have been coaching at an elite level this season. Ben Johnson will have to get the best of both of them. This game could very well cement Ben Johnson in that tier with the great offensive kinds in the game. This is the matchup that is the most challenging, but with how Ben Johnson has been this season, he is welcoming this challenge. I would give the nod to Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh in this one, but I am very confident that Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen will hold their own.