49ers schedule: Predicting wins and losses over second half of 2018
By Peter Panacy
Week 16 vs. Chicago Bears
Well, haven’t the Chicago Bears emerged as a nice surprise this season.
At 5-3, rookie head coach Matt Nagy has his Bears sitting in first place in the tough NFC North. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is starting to look like a bona fide franchise player, while running back Tarik Cohen has emerged as one of the best dual-threat tailbacks in the league right now.
And, boy. That defense.
Acquiring EDGE Khalil Mack from the Oakland Raiders has made a huge difference. He has five sacks on the year, but his presence has allowed Chicago’s other pass-rushers to “enjoy the spread of wealth,” as the Bears now boast 24 sacks on the year.
If you’re hoping for a big game from San Francisco’s offensive line, this better be it.
Why the 49ers Win
Well, stopping Mack is going to be priority No. 1. But even that sets up a likelihood of other Chicago defenders making an impact.
If Nick Mullens is under center, his efforts to get the ball out quickly will have to make a big difference. But the Bears have the fourth best pass defense in the league, so there’s that to consider.
Kyle Shanahan would have to call a methodical, well-thought game plan to prevent that elite-level Bears defense from cheating towards either approach. It won’t be easy.
Why the 49ers Lose
Turnovers. The Bears rank No. 1 in the league with 21 defensive takeaways, meaning either Mullens or C.J. Beathard can’t afford turnover gaffes. Neither can any of San Francisco’s ball carriers.
Trubisky has played better, but his efforts have largely been influenced by a solid ground game. Perhaps San Francisco can stop this. But the fact Chicago boasts the fifth best scoring offense in the league doesn’t bode well for the red and gold.
Prediction: Bears 31, 49ers 17