San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears: Evaluating Week 13 Matchups

By Clyde A. Speller

San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears: Evaluating Week 13 Matchups

Chicago Bears-Kyle Long vs 49ers — This week’s matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears looks to be over before it even starts. The 49ers (3-8) are losers of four of their last five games, while the Bears (5-6) are looking to add to their win column after a huge Thanksgiving night victory over the Green Bay Packers. While still in the playoff hunt, Chicago will look to take advantage of the lowly Niners in Week 13. Here’s a closer look at the matchups.

Bears’ Pass Offense vs. 49ers’ Pass Defense

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler point at line of scrimmage

Bears’ Pass Offense vs. 49ers’ Pass Defense

Chicago Bears-Jay Cutler point at line of scrimmage — Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has played extremely smart football this season and is on pace to end the year with a career-high QB rating. The 49ers’ 28th ranked pass defense shouldn’t be a major problem for Cutler in his new offensive scheme, especially with tight end Martellus Bennett returning.

Advantage: Bears

Bears’ Run Offense vs. 49ers’ Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte4

Bears’ Run Offense vs. 49ers’ Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Matt Forte4 — San Francisco has had one of the worst run defenses in the NFL all season long. Chicago’s running game has only gotten better with the emergence of rookie Jeremy Langford and is now even stronger with a healthy Matt Forte. The Bears’ two-headed backfield should have a huge day carving up the 49ers’ 25th ranked run defense.

Advantage: Bears

49ers’ Pass Offense vs. Bears’ Pass Defense

Chicago Bears-Tracy Porter vs Rams

49ers’ Pass Offense vs. Bears’ Pass Defense

Chicago Bears-Tracy Porter vs Rams — Niners quarterback Blaine Gabbert passed for a career-high 318 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12. In the last two weeks, Gabbert has had QB ratings of 98.2 and 94.4. His recent play has been a bright spot for San Francisco, but Chicago’s second-ranked pass defense could present a major problem for the 49ers’ newly-appointed starting QB.

Advantage: Bears

49ers’ Run Offense vs. Bears’ Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Shea McClellin vs Patriots

49ers’ Run Offense vs. Bears’ Run Defense

Chicago Bears-Shea McClellin vs Patriots — Chicago’s run defense is actually worse than San Francisco’s. However, the fact that the Niners are without their two leading rushers (RB Carlos Hyde and QB Colin Kaepernick) gives the Bears’ 29th ranked run defense a great chance of looking better than they appear to be on paper.

Advantage: Bears

Special Teams

San Francisco 49ers-Phil Dawson

Special Teams

San Francisco 49ers-Phil Dawson — Overall, San Francisco’s special teams unit is average. As for Chicago, they continue to struggle, with the exception of kicker Robbie Gould. The Bears recently signed Patrick Scales as their new long snapper. Hopefully there won’t be a lack of chemistry adding him to the mix so late into the season.

Advantage: 49ers

Coaching

Chicago Bears-John Fox celebrating

Coaching

Chicago Bears-John Fox celebrating — Chicago seems to have gotten the best out of their players more than San Francisco has. Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio should be motivated to face the team that passed him up for their head coaching position and will have his defense ready to face his former team. Offensive coordinator Adam Gase was also passed up for the Niners job, so he could have a chip on his shoulder as well.

Advantage: Bears

Who Has the Overall Advantage?

Chicago Bears-Lamarr Houston and Christian Jones celebrating

Who Has the Overall Advantage?

Chicago Bears-Lamarr Houston and Christian Jones celebrating — According to the odds makers, this is the first time all season that the Bears are favored to win a game. Looking at how both teams are playing up to this point of the year, I would have to totally agree with the people in Las Vegas. Look for Chicago to reach .500 for the first time this season.

Overall Advantage: Bears

Teams in this article »

Chicago Bears

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San Francisco 49ers

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