San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears: NFL Picks Week 13
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) rushes for a gain against San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Corey Lemonier (96) during the second quarter at Levi
Not a marquee matchup of week 13 but there is still plenty on the line when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Chicago Bears. There could be serious playoff implications for one team and serious draft implications for another. So who gets the win?
Backdrop:
A team with little left to play for in the 49ers will try to take on the spoiler role against a Bears team that sees a clear window to the playoffs. They are riding a huge high after stunning the Packers on Thanksgiving and know they could really build some momentum by taking care of business at home.
San Francisco hasn’t won at Soldier Field since the 1980s and Blaine Gabbert isn’t exactly Joe Montana. This is going to be a game dictated by two good defenses. If the 49ers can make some things happen on that side of the ball, they have a chance.
Matchup To Watch:
OLB Aaron Lynch vs. LT Charles Leno Jr.
In the absence of Aldon Smith, the 49ers have needed to get their pass rush from elsewhere and the man to step up has been second-year linebacker Aaron Lynch. He has 6.5 sacks on the season and will have to be the one who can rattle Jay Cutler, something that hasn’t proven as easy this season.
It’s almost certain Lynch will be matched up against Bears left tackle Charles Leno Jr. After a rocky start stepping in for the injured Jermon Bushrod, the second-year lineman has played well enough to keep the job, though he’s allowed three sacks in the past four games. He’ll have to bring his best.
Key Stat:
Not all of it has been perfect for the Bears defense this season but it’s been amazing how much better they’ve gotten against the pass this season. They are only allowing 214 yards per game through the air, second best in the league. That doesn’t bode well for the 49ers, who have struggled throwing the ball all season (198 yards per game). If those two ends hold up, it will be a big difference in the game.
Prediction: Bears win 26-14
On paper this is just a bad matchup. Chicago is tailored in many ways to play a team like San Francisco. Their strengths go against the 49ers’ weaknesses. If nothing else, they’re at home, it will be cold and they’re just playing better football right now. The only way they don’t win this game is if they commit a bevy of mistake.
Possible of course, but unlikely.