San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears Picks and Predictions December 8th 2024

San Francisco 49ers vs Chicago Bears December 8th 2024

The 49ers are favored on the money line at -200 as they host the Bears at 4:25 ET on Sunday, December 8th at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. On TV via FOX, the 49ers are looking to add to their record, while the Bears are sitting at +168 on the money line and +4 on the point spread. The over/under line is set at 44 points.

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Chicago vs. San Francisco Key Information

• Teams: Bears at 49ers
• Where: Levi’s Stadium Santa Clara
• Date: Sunday, December 8th
• Betting Odds SF -200 | CHI +168 O/U 44

The Bears Can Win If…

Chicago’s losing streak now stands at six games following their 23-20 loss to the Lions in week 13. The Bears were 9.5-point underdogs in this one, but they managed to cover the spread despite the loss. This puts their ATS record at 7-4-1, and they have a +0.1 scoring margin on the season. Chicago ranks 22nd in our NFL power rankings and has a 0.0% chance of making the playoffs.

The Bears are 4-8 overall, with all four of their wins coming at home. They are 0-5 on the road, including a week 9 loss to the Cardinals and a week 8 loss to the Commanders. Their last win came in week 6, when they beat the Jaguars 35-16.

Heading into week 14, the Bears rank 23rd in our offensive power rankings. They are 22nd in the NFL in points per game (20.1) and 26th in yards per game (299.1). Chicago ranks 8th in passing attempts per game (34.3) but is 27th in passing yards, averaging 190.1 per game. On the ground, they are 19th in rushing attempts and 23rd in rushing yards per game (109). The Bears rank 28th in the NFL in 3rd-down conversion percentage (33.5%) but are 6th in red zone conversion percentage.

Caleb Williams has been solid under center, throwing for 256 yards (20/39) and 3 touchdowns in week 13 against the Lions. He posted a passer rating of 97, following his 340-yard performance in week 12. DJ Moore led the Bears with 8 catches for 97 yards and a touchdown in week 13, while Williams was the team’s leading rusher with 39 yards on 4 carries.

In their 23-20 loss to the Lions, the Bears’ defense allowed 405 total yards, with Detroit finding success on the ground with 194 rushing yards and 33 attempts. Chicago did limit the Lions to 35.7% on third down and held them to 211 passing yards on 21 completions.

The Bears’ defense recorded two sacks in the game but struggled in the run game, giving up 5.9 yards per attempt on the ground. Additionally, Chicago’s defense allowed two rushing touchdowns in the game.

• The Bears have gone 0-3 over their last three regular season games. They have held up well vs the spread in these matchups, going 2-0-1 as well as an over-under record of 1-2.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Bears have gone 3-7 straight up. In these matchups, they ended with an ATS record of 5-4-1 and an over-under mark of 4-6.

The 49ers Can Win If…

With their 35-10 loss to the Bills in week 13, the 49ers have now dropped three straight games, bringing their record to 5-7. This puts them 4th in the NFC West, and our power rankings have them 8th heading into week 14. Despite their losing streak, they still have a 7.0% chance of winning the division and an 8.2% chance of making the playoffs.

San Francisco is 4-8 against the spread this season and has failed to cover in four straight games. Their average scoring margin is -2.1 points per game. Their O/U record is 6-6, with their games averaging 47.1 points compared to an average line of 46.5.

Heading into week 14, the 49ers are 15th in the NFL in scoring, averaging 22.5 points per game. They rank 7th in the league in total yards, with 372.4 per game, and are 9th in passing yards, averaging 232.8 per game, despite being 25th in passing attempts. On the ground, they are 9th in rushing attempts and 7th in rushing yards, with 139.6 per game. San Francisco ranks 7th in the league in 3rd-down conversions and 18th in red zone efficiency.

In week 13, the 49ers struggled in the passing game, with Brock Purdy throwing for just 94 yards on 11/18 passing. Jauan Jennings led the team with 56 receiving yards on 3 catches. Jordan Mason had 78 rushing yards on 13 carries, but he is now on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

In their 35-10 loss to the Bills, the 49ers’ defense allowed 220 rushing yards on 38 attempts, including giving up a 7.8 yards per attempt average to Buffalo. Despite this, they held the Bills to 152 passing yards on just 14 completions. The 49ers allowed two passing touchdowns and a high 77.8% completion percentage to Buffalo. Additionally, they struggled to get off the field, allowing the Bills to convert on 50% of their third down attempts.

The 49ers failed to record any sacks in the game and also lost the QB hit and tackles for loss differentials, highlighting their struggles to generate pressure up front.

• San Francisco has put together a record of 1-2 in their last three games (regular season). In these matchups, they ended with an ATS record of 1-2 and an over-under mark of 1-2.
• Across San Francisco’s last ten regular season games, their record sits at 5-5. This includes going 3-7 vs. the spread along with an over-under mark of 6-4.

The Lean

For this week 14 matchup between the 49ers and Bears, we have the 49ers coming out on top by a score of 25-18. With the 49ers being the home favorites, our pick vs. the spread is to take them to cover at -4.

As for the over/under, with the line sitting at 44 points, we have a projected combined score of 43 points, making our lean to take the under.

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Bears Aim to Break 6-Game Losing Streak Against Injury-Plagued 49ers

The Chicago Bears’ turbulent season takes another turn as they face the injury-depleted San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday. Both teams are desperate for a win, with the Bears enduring a six-game losing streak and the 49ers struggling to stay in playoff contention amidst a cascade of injuries.

Chicago Bears: Navigating Uncertainty with a Fresh Start

The Bears’ six-game skid has brought about sweeping changes, including the dismissal of head coach Matt Eberflus after a 14-32 record over two-plus seasons. Interim head coach Thomas Brown, promoted from offensive coordinator, now has the challenging task of steadying the ship.

Brown’s approach focuses on staying grounded in the present:

“I don’t think about it at all. I think about the moment,” he said, dismissing speculation about becoming the permanent head coach.

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is also under scrutiny. Despite facing growing pains in his first NFL season, he remains optimistic:

“The first part is understanding that I can’t control everything. I’ve got to roll with the punches,” Williams said.

The Bears’ recent struggles were epitomized in their last-second loss to the Detroit Lions, marked by clock mismanagement. With just 36 seconds left on the clock and trailing by three, the team failed to call their final timeout, leading to a desperate and incomplete pass as time expired.

Injuries add to Chicago’s woes. Key offensive players, including running backs D’Andre Swift (quad) and Roschon Johnson (concussion), wide receiver D.J. Moore (quad), and offensive lineman Ryan Bates (concussion), missed practice on Wednesday.

San Francisco 49ers: Injury Woes Compound a Tough Season

The 49ers, defending NFC champions, have also fallen far short of expectations. With a 5-7 record, their playoff hopes hang by a thread, requiring a near-perfect finish and substantial help from other teams.

Injuries have been the dominant storyline in San Francisco. The backfield has been particularly hard-hit, with Christian McCaffrey (posterior cruciate ligament) and Jordan Mason (high ankle sprain) placed on injured reserve after last week’s 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. McCaffrey’s absence is especially painful after he worked hard to return from Achilles tendinitis that sidelined him for the season’s first eight games.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged McCaffrey’s disappointment:

“It was a real frustrating year for him. … I know he’s crushed, but he’ll get through this and come back stronger.”

Quarterback Brock Purdy returned last week after a one-game absence due to a sore throwing shoulder, but the 49ers’ offense remains underpowered without its star running backs.

Adding to the team’s challenges is an emotional blow: left tackle Trent Williams and his wife, Sondra, are mourning the loss of their stillborn son. Williams, along with defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique), linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee), and guard Aaron Banks (concussion), missed practice on Wednesday.

A Clash of Struggling Teams

Sunday’s matchup presents an opportunity for both teams to reverse their fortunes. The Bears are searching for their first win since Week 6, while the 49ers hope to keep their slim postseason hopes alive.

Despite their challenges, Chicago can lean on Williams’ adaptability and the fresh perspective of a new head coach. Meanwhile, San Francisco will aim to rally behind its defense and the leadership of Shanahan.

This game may ultimately come down to which team can better navigate adversity. Injuries and mistakes have plagued both rosters, but resilience and execution will decide who comes out on top in this battle of attrition.

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What to Watch For

1. Caleb Williams’ Composure: The rookie quarterback has shown flashes of promise but must limit turnovers and manage the game effectively.
2. San Francisco’s Rushing Attack: Without McCaffrey and Mason, the 49ers’ ground game will rely on backups to carry the load.
3. Defensive Playmakers: Both defenses have been tested by injuries, but stars like Nick Bosa (if healthy) and Chicago’s Jaquan Brisker could impact the outcome.
4. Coaching Adjustments: Can Thomas Brown’s fresh leadership revitalize the Bears? Will Shanahan find creative solutions to offset his depleted roster?

Final Thoughts

Both teams face an uphill battle to salvage their seasons. The Bears must shake off their losing streak and adjust to life under an interim coach, while the 49ers need a win to keep their slim playoff chances alive.

Though marred by injuries and setbacks, this game is an opportunity for both organizations to demonstrate resilience and build momentum for the future.