3 Keys to a Bears victory over the 49ers in Week 14

Since going into their bye week at 4-2, the Chicago Bears have lost six straight games and effectively ended their playoff hopes. But they still have pride to play for. With five games left to play and a new head coach in Thomas Brown, the Bears have a chance to end the season on a high note and carry some serious momentum into the offseason. That starts with a win on Sunday over the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers have a litany of problems of their own. Two of their best playmakers, Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey, are out for the season. Other stars like Nick Bosa and Trent Williams have missed significant time (and may also miss this Sunday’s contest). They’re riding a three-game losing streak and sit at last place in the NFC West at 5-7.

But the 49ers are still a dangerous team. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has consistently been one of the five best coaches in the NFL, and despite all the injuries, he still has plenty of talent. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more difficult matchup for a first-time head coach. Can Thomas Brown lead the Bears to their first win since October 13th? They can if they hit three important keys.

1. Keep Caleb Williams rolling.

Since the firing of Shane Waldron and despite the consistent losing, Williams has reignited his Rookie of the Year case. In the last three games under Thomas Brown’s playcalling, he’s averaging 276 yards, two touchdowns, and a 98.6 passer rating per game, all of which came against Top 10 defenses. Even Shanahan has taken note of this and praised Williams.

If the Bears are to beat the 49ers, they will need Williams to out-quarterback Brock Purdy. This is no easy task against the 49ers, and it will be made even harder if D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson, both of whom were unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday, are unable to play.

2. Next man up.

While the 49ers have a lengthy injury report, the Bears have their own problems. They may be without both of their top running backs on Sunday. On top of that, DJ Moore has not practiced all week, nor has Ryan Bates or Elijah Hicks, both of whom have been filling in for starters who are hurt, as well.

If injuries hold these players out, backups like Travis Homer, DeAndre Carter, and Doug Kramer Jr. may be expected to make major contributions on Sunday, and they will be expected to deliver.

3. Coaching.

One word, it’s that simple. Matthew Eberflus was rightfully blamed for many of the Bears’ woes during this losing streak, and that led to his termination. It’s on Thomas Brown, defensive coordinator Eric Washington, and new offensive coordinator Chris Beatty to prove that we were right to blame Eberflus. Brown has been calling the offensive plays for three games but will now have to do so as the head coach, while Washington will be expected to call plays on defense for the first time. Beatty will be expected to help Brown keep the offense rolling as he adjusts to his new responsibilities.

If all three guys can gracefully step into their new roles and perform well, there’s no reason the Bears can’t win on Sunday.

Final Prediction: 49ers win 27-24

I would love to be able to pick the Bears to win again, but I will not do so until they win a game. This has been my rule since their third consecutive loss in Week 10. They can and probably should win this one, but I’ve got to see it to believe it.

Make me a believer, Chicago Bears. And while you’re at it, maybe make Kyle Shanahan a believer, too.