NFL Experts Picks: Bears remain big underdogs against reeling 49ers

Week 14’s Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers matchup will be our first look at Thomas Brown as the Bears’ interim head coach, and he’s catching the 49ers at what appears to be the right time. San Francisco’s injury report features several high-profile players, including starting running back Christian McCaffrey and his backup, Jordan Mason. Left tackle Trent Williams didn’t practice Wednesday, nor did edge rusher Nick Bosa.

That’s got to bode well for the Bears, right? Apparently not.

Seventy percent of NFL experts polled on NFL Pick Watch selected the 49ers to win the game. San Francisco is currently a 3.5-point favorite.

The experts’ pick isn’t all that surprising, largely because of Kyle Shanahan.

The 49ers rank fourth in the NFL in offensive efficiency, while the Bears are dead last (32nd). San Fran has the 7th-best rushing offense (although, they’re down two running backs). The Beras are 23rd. Brock Purdy has led the 49ers to the 9th-best passing offense, Chicago is 27th.

San Francisco has the edge on defense, too:

Passing Defense: 49ers (4th) vs. Bears (11th)

Rushing Defense: 49ers (15) vs. Beras (25th)

READ: Should Caleb Williams be involved in Bears’ head coaching search?

It’ll be fun to watch Brown square off against Shanahan, as both coaches are squarely in the Chicago Bears’ coaching conversation. Imagine if Brown outduels Shanahan? Man, the narrative around him — and the Bears’ coaching search — will flip upside down.

The Bears vs. 49ers game is scheduled for 4:25 pm. EST at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, December 8.