NFL Week 1 Odds, Picks & Predictions: 49ers vs. Bears (2022)
The NFL season is here, and there are a number of entertaining Week 1 matchups, including the 49ers vs. Bears. San Francisco and Chicago may not have the offensive firepower of other matchups this week, but there are still plenty of storylines to follow.
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San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears (+7)
The first is the quarterbacks on each side. Trey Lance was given the keys to the organization, but his leash may not be very long with Jimmy Garoppolo returning to a win-now roster. The move made sense for the 49ers, who now have a contingency plan. Ultimately, it should not matter if Lance performs like the player they expect after trading up to draft him #3 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Moving on to the #11 overall pick in the same draft class, Justin Fields. Fields has the opportunity to make the Niners organization question their decision to pass on him two years ago. He will have to overcome a lack of surrounding talent. It is clear Lance is in the better situation to succeed, but Fields still must show he is the long-term answer for the Bears this season. New GM Ryan Poles’ offseason moves indicate that 2023 will be a more aggressive year in building around Fields. Still, it remains to be seen if this will come at the detriment of the organization’s most valuable asset.
Betting Angles
The BettingPros consensus spread for the 49ers vs. Bears sits at +6.5 for the Bears, with a total of 40.5. As of Friday, George Kittle remains questionable to play on Sunday.
The game should be slow moving with both offenses wanting to run the ball more than the average team. The current forecast shows a windy and wet game in Chicago, which should only increase the likelihood the teams elect to stay on the ground. To add on, passing yard prop lines are hovering around 200 yards for each quarterback.
49ers vs. Bears: Recommendation
New Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus hopes to make a positive impression on the home crowd in his first game. I think he and new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will create a game plan which utilizes Fields’ strengths, evidenced by a strong showing in the final preseason game. Fields finished 14 of 16 for 156 yards and 3 TDs in one half of play.
I would take the seven points that DraftKings is offering on the home underdog.
The Pick: Bears +7
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