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 Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Soldier Field, Chicago - TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnson, Laura Okmin
*Keys to the game: The 49ers are one of the worst defenses in the
league on the road, and that paints an ominous picture for QB Blaine
Gabbert. He's 1-2 since replacing Colin Kaepernick as the 49ers'
starter, but San Francisco has a total of 43 points in those three
games. There's a huge void at running back limiting the play sheet
for Gabbert, who had to lean on veteran Shaun Draughn - signed off
the street last month - in consecutive losses to division
heavyweights Seattle and Arizona. Bears defensive coordinator Vic
Fangio was on staff with Gabbert as a backup last year and will have
a program that attacks his weaknesses.
The 49ers haven't scored a first-quarter touchdown all season -
scoreless in all of Gabbert's starts - so Chicago would love a fast
start. Of course, that hasn't always been QB Jay Cutler's M.O.
Keeping it on the ground could help Cutler get rolling early. The
49ers have been dinged by teams with multiple inside threats. Even
if WR Eddie Royal doesn't man the slot, Chicago's two tight ends -
Martellus Bennett and Zach Miller - are a matchup problem for San
Francisco. If the 49ers can hold up on the corners, San Francisco
can win on third down, where the Bears are a miserable 12 of 36 the
past three games.
*Matchup to watch - Bears LBs Pernell McPhee and Willie Young vs.
49ers OTs Joe Staley and Erik Pears: Gabbert has been sacked only
four times in three starts - Kaepernick went down 28 times in eight
starts - but the Bears are pickup up the pressure with Young and
Lamarr Houston close to healthy.
*Player spotlight - 49ers WR Torrey Smith: A busted investment for
most of his first season with the 49ers, Smith has a chance for a
breakout game as the Bears dare Gabbert to go long. Smith averages
17.3 yards per catch in his career and 21.6 per grab this season.
*Fast facts: The 49ers have scored 18 points or less eight times
through the first 11 games. ... Bears coach John Fox is 4-0 in his
career against San Francisco.
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FRIDAY INJURY REPORT
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
--Out: TE Garrett Celek (ankle), RB Carlos Hyde (foot)
--Probable: DT Arik Armstead (shoulder), TE Blake Bell (finger), WR
Anquan Boldin (hamstring), G Alex Boone (triceps), LB Navorro Bowman
(shoulder, finger), LB Ahmad Brooks (toe), DT Quinton Dial
(shoulder), WR Bruce Ellington (wrist), DT Tony Jerod-Eddie (hip),
CB Dontae Johnson (hamstring), T Erik Pears (knee), CB Keith Reaser
(ankle), WR Torrey Smith (back), S Jaquiski Tartt (knee), LB Michael
Wilhoite (ankle)
CHICAGO BEARS
--Out: WR Marquess Wilson (foot)
--Questionable: DT Bruce Gaston (illness), TE Zach Miller (ribs), S
Antrel Rolle (knee), WR Eddie Royal (knee)
--Probable: TE Martellus Bennett (ribs), RB Ka'Deem Carey
(concussion), QB Jay Cutler (illness), T Kyle Long (neck), LB
Pernell McPhee (knee)
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Bears remain susceptible due to poor production on third down
and in the red zone. If they leave the door open, QB Blaine Gabbert
is capable of guiding San Francisco to the upset but needs help from
his defense.
*Our pick: Bears 27-23.
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