NFL Matchups: The Chicago Bears reminded everyone on opening day what their two main problems were what kept them out of the playoffs in 2013: a defense that could not close and a quarterback in Jay Cutler that seems to always make one mistake too many at the worst possible time. Conversely, for the San Francisco 49ers opening day at Dallas was “Super.”
The San Francisco 49ers will host the Chicago Bears on NBC Sunday Night Football from Levi’s Stadium with coverage starting at 8:30 PM ET. San Francisco opened at BetDSI as a 7-point favorite with a total of 48.5.
Bears Down
The Bears are coming off a 23-20 home loss to Buffalo as seven point home favorites as Cutler threw two interceptions and the Bears were minus two in turnover margin. The Bills ripped through Chicago for 193 yards rushing on 33 attempts. Cutler did throw for 349 yards and two TD’s as he again demonstrated his wild inconsistency that has plagued him throughout his career. Head coach Marc Trestman is an excellent offensive mind but under his watch the Bears have become too reliant upon Cutler and have lost their tough defensive culture.
Niners Strike Gold at Jerry’s World
The 49ers had a sluggish preseason but now that it counts they are looking primed for Super Bowl glory after last week’s 28-17 win at the Dallas Cowboys as 3.5 point chalks. San Francisco jumped out to a 28-3 lead at the half and coasted from there as they forced four Dallas turnovers. QB Colin Kaepernick was 16 of 23, making him good for 201 yards and two TDs.
Matchup and Pick
The Bears have covered the spread in just four out of their last 12 away games with 12 out of their last 15 away games going over the total. The 49ers have been slightly above break even at home with seven payouts in their last 13 home games as nine out of their last 14 home games have gone over the total. The 49ers have covered the spread in 11 out of their last 14 games with the Bears as seven out of the last 10 games between Chicago and San Francisco have gone over the total. We’ll call for the 49ers (-7) and over the total of 48.5 in this one.
