The Chicago Bears face a stiff test to open their 2022 season. The San Francisco 49ers were in the NFC championship last year. They boast one of the most talented defenses in the league and a head coach widely viewed among the best offensive minds in the business. It is a potent combination that has brought them many victories, including one over the Bears last season. Still, it’s a new year, and crazy things happen.
Matt Eberflus is the new head coach. Early indications are he runs a tight ship. His players run with urgency and intensity and are expected to play smart. Chicago finished the preseason with only 13 total penalties in three games. That leads one to believe they’ll be well-prepared for this matchup despite the talent discrepancies on paper. So to make it more fun, here are a few bold predictions for what will happen.
Chicago Bears bold predictions vs. the 49ers
Justin Fields tops his rushing total from the last meeting.
The 49ers defense was one of the best in the NFL last season, and nothing figures to change in 2022. However, they had problems with Justin Fields on their previous visit to Chicago. That was especially true on the ground, where the Bears quarterback ran for 107 yards and a touchdown. Keep in mind that it was in perfect weather conditions. Now they’ll have to contain him on a rain-drenched playing surface where the footing will be suspect. Don’t be shocked when Fields tops that number.
Cole Kmet scores two touchdowns.
Going for over 600 yards was a substantial achievement for the Bears’ tight end last year. Sadly it was marred by the fact he failed to score a single touchdown. That wasn’t entirely his fault, but it’s something that continues to hang over his head. San Francisco is tough, but they had problems against opposing tight ends occasionally. Kmet will take full advantage. His yardage won’t be anything special, but he’ll burn them twice for crucial scores.
Justin Jones and Armon Watts both record sacks.
There were concerns about the Chicago Bears’ interior pass rush going into last week. That changed when they managed to add Watts via the waiver wire from Minnesota. He had five sacks last season. Jones had three in 11 games. The 49ers will likely be going with two guards who have never started an NFL game. It is a premium opportunity put lots of internal pressure on a young, inexperienced quarterback in Trey Lance. Expect both men to notch a sack before the final buzzer sounds.
Eddie Jackson finally breaks his interception drought.
He was an All-Pro in 2018 with six interceptions. Many considered him one of the three best safeties in the NFL. Nobody could’ve predicted he would go the entire 2020 and 2021 seasons without an interception. Yet that is where things stand. Jackson is nearing his 30s and on an expensive contract. He can’t afford another down year if he doesn’t want to lose his job in 2023. So he’s going to send a message right out of the gate by picking off Lance at some point during the game. A colossal monkey off his back.
