This article is part of our NFL Picks series.
NFL Odds, Picks and Predictions for Bears vs. 49ers
Two NFC playoff contenders vying for the NFC's No. 1 seed tangle in this critical late-season primetime clash, and we're ready to zero in on best bets and props.
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Bears vs. 49ers NFL Odds
*Best lines at time of writing listed
- Moneyline: Bears +165 (BetMGM) / 49ers -170 (DraftKings)
- Point spread: Bears +3.5 (Caesars) / 49ers -3.5 (FanDuel)
- Totals: Over 52.5 points (Caesars / Under 52.5 points (DraftKings)
The spread for this game has moved over a tight range since before Week 16 kicked off, but the 49ers have remained small favorites. The number has consistently bounced between 2.5 and 3.5 over the last week-plus, as both teams secured noteworthy victories over the Packers and Colts, respectively.
Meanwhile, the total has remained on an upward trajectory, sitting at 50.5 before Week 16 action and then being bet up to 52.5 over the last few days following the 49ers' explosion for 48 points against the Colts on Monday night.
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Bears vs. 49ers NFL Picks
The Bears and 49ers check in with matching 11-4 records and multi-game winning streaks, with Chicago having prevailed in two straight (and seven of the last eight), and the 49ers having rattled off five consecutive victories. The two teams appear pretty evenly matched across the board, especially when considering each is projected to be missing one key offensive weapon.
On San Francisco's side, George Kittle, is still listed as questionable but missed every practice this week due to his ankle injury. Meahwhile, Chicago is already guaranteed to be without No. 1 receiver Rome Odunze yet again because of his foot injury.
Both teams have proven capable of running an effective attack without those players, although the upside of each offense naturally takes a ding without each. For Chicago, it focuses more attention on DJ Moore, although the return of rookie wideout Luther Burden from a one-game absence due to a concussion will help cushion the blow.
On the 49ers' end of things, a Kittle absence not only robs Brock Purdy of a key target, but it also removes a highly effective blocker from the ground attack, making life just a bit harder on Christian McCaffrey in terms of finding consistent running room. Yet, McCarthy's versatility and ability to dominate as a pass catcher combined with the Bears' general vulnerability against the run (4.8 RB yards per carry allowed) helps make the circumstances a bit more manageable.
I ultimately give the slight edge here to the home team, which is brimming with confidence and has the ability to attack in versatile fashion on offense. It won't be easy without Kittle, but I like an SGP that combines a Niners win with a solid all-around night for McCaffrey as a main bet and a score that lands somewhere under a very robust total as a complementary wager.
Bears vs. 49ers NFL Bets:
- SGP: 49ers moneyline and Christian McCaffrey 90+ rushing + receiving yards (-111 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Under 52.5 points (-110 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
Bears vs. 49ers NFL Prediction
49ers 23, Bears 21
The Bears have proven highly capable of navigating late-game circumstances to emerge with wins, but the luck runs out to an extent this week. San Francisco looked like a team gelling at the right time in Week 16, and despite the rest disadvantage, I see them carrying it over in front of the home crowd.
