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49ers vs. Bears: 5 key San Francisco matchups to watch in Week 13

By Peter Panacy

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 06: Ka'Deem Carey #25 of the Chicago Bears carries the football for 4 yards toward the endzone, resulting in a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field on December 6, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 06: Ka'Deem Carey #25 of the Chicago Bears carries the football for 4 yards toward the endzone, resulting in a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field on December 6, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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49ers Garoppolo
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levis Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Bears Pass Defense

No, we couldn’t leave this one out.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will see his first start with the 49ers in Week 13. Ironically enough, it comes not far from his hometown of Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Garoppolo’s finish in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks was nearly good enough to suggest he’s vastly superior to the guy he replaced, C.J. Beathard. After all, Garoppolo’s lone drive ended in a 10-yard touchdown pass, whereas Beathard didn’t find the end zone all day.

Still, it’s a very small sample size.

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Facing Garoppolo will be a Bears pass defense ranked 16th in the league with opponents passing for an average of 6.1 yards per attempt.

We already noted the importance of San Francisco’s offensive line providing adequate up-front protection. But Garoppolo’s pocket presence sure seems superior to that of Beathard, but it remains a key X-factor.

Especially considering the Bears’ 30 sacks on the season is tied for ninth most.

This, combined with some experienced defensive backs, means Garoppolo will have to choose his targets carefully and be willing to take some well-placed chances down the field.

Next: 49ers vs. Bears: 3 ways San Francisco beats Chicago

If Garoppolo has a good game, the 49ers likely win. If not, well, you’re looking at a 1-11 season after this week.