Keys to the Game
49ers
- Force Caleb Williams into an Ugly Statline
In each of San Francisco’s five wins this season, it has either held the opposing quarterback under 200 passing yards, or snagged multiple interceptions. Half of Caleb Williams’ statlines fit those requirements so far this year, but most of those games were early in the year. Notably, only 1 of his last 5 starts fit the description. If the 49ers want to end their 3-game losing streak, they are going to need to do something to interrupt Williams’ recent ascent.
San Francisco does boast fantastic coverage numbers, so this isn’t completely out of the realm of possibilities. Chicago could also be without star wide receiver DJ Moore on Sunday, which would add a wrinkle in for the rookie quarterback.
Bears
- Find Success in Run Game
If Chicago plans on taking advantage of the ‘fired-head-coach-bump’, it’s going to have to find productivity on the ground. The 49ers secondary is still elite, ranking 2nd in PFF coverage grade. Luckily for opposing offenses, San Francisco also sits at 29th in PFF run defense grade. It has allowed the 2nd-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL this season, including 6 in the last 2 weeks.
In addition to the fact that run-stopping is the 49ers’ weakness on defense, generating a successful run game has also been a key ingredient in Chicago’s winning recipe this season. In the Bears’ 3-game winning streak earlier in the year, running back D’Andre Swift scored a touchdown in each contest and posted 73, 91, and 129 rushing yards respectively. When Swift is running well, the Bears are winning. The veteran running back has failed to rack up more than 60 rushing yards in 4 out of his last 5 games, and failed to even surpass 30 rushing yards in each of the last 2 weeks. Chicago is, of course, in the midst of a 6-game losing streak. Swift’s success on Sunday is vital.