Behind Enemy Lines: Get to know the 49ers

In the least-exciting matchup of the season, the 2-9 Chicago Bears take on the 1-10 San Francisco 49ers this Sunday. Let’s hear it for completely atrocity! This appears to be a meaningless game, but it’s more important than people think. San Francisco currently owns the #2 pick, while the Bears own the #3 pick. If the Bears lose this week, they move up one pick.

To get to know the Niners better, I asked a few questions to Steve Rivera, the managing editor of our 49ers page here at Cover32. Here’s what you should know about them before the Bears take them on.

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1. Both of these teams are currently projected to get top five picks in the draft. Is the real winner of this game the team that loses?

Rivera: Judging by twitter, a second win might actually stunt the growing excitement a top tier draft pick could bring. That said, this team is due. Chicago, and maybe next week against the Jets are the only likely windows San Francisco has left on its schedule for a win in 2016.

2. Colin Kaepernick has been playing fairly well in recent weeks. How much should the Bears worry about his play?

Rivera: Kap is playing better, and that was clear last week in Miami. Say what you want about Chip Kelly, but he knows his best shot a winning a game lies in how many times the ball is in his QB’s hand. If Chicago forces him to throw the ball, that neutralizes the Niners offense. So goes Kaepernick, so go the Niners. The Bears will have the advantage if San Francisco is forced to throw a lot.

3. The Bears are suffering injuries aplenty on offense. Which players on the 49ers’ defense do you expect to give Matt Barkley a hard time?

Rivera: With NaVorro Bowman and Eric Reid out, Matt Barkley can take some shots. In fact, Chicago might actually see their average of 16 points per game increase. San Francisco has an all time bad defense. It’ll make Bears fans wish they had the Niners on the schedule a few more times this year.

4. Over/under: Jordan Howard rushes for 120 yards against the league’s worst rushing defense.

Rivera: The over on points (43) and Jordan Howard are two worthy reasons to visit the betting window. This game might have a little more offensive “explosion” tomorrow than people think.

5. Score prediction?

Rivera: I like the 49ers to win tomorrow. In this battle of teams destined for opening night of the 2017 NFL Draft, I’ll take the team who’s quarterback is playing better, and that’s Colin Kaepernick. San Francisco 27, Chicago 24

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