LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Just force a punt.
The challenge ahead for Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen against Kyle Shanahan’s unstoppable San Francisco 49ers offense sounds simple.
It’s anything but.
The 49ers haven’t punted since November 30th. That’s only two games for the team that enjoyed a late-season bye in Week 14, but they’ve scored 94 points since the last time punter Thomas Morstead actually got some work on fourth down.
The Bears did not force a punt last Saturday against the Green Bay Packers. They still won the game thanks to a miraculous overtime finish. But their inability to get off the field on third down isn’t sustainable. And they won’t be as lucky if it happens again this Sunday night.
So what makes the 49ers’ offense, which is converting third downs 50 percent of the time, so darn good at moving the chains?
“They do a really good job executing on first and second down,” Allen said Wednesday. “They do a great job staying ahead of the chains. I think that helps them in terms of their ability to execute on third down. And then, they do a great job of getting to spots. The quarterback does a really good job of reading out the defense, throwing it to the open guy. It’s tough to deal with.
“Their ability to run the football down there in the red area, I think helps them out a lot. So, it’s a good football team. It’s a really good offense. They’re extremely well coached. How do you know when a team is really well coached? You just watch the speed at which they operate, the speed at which they operate upfront in the running game and how they get to their landmarks and how they get to their spots, and how all the offensive linemen are working in unison in terms of how they run their routes.”
Ben Johnson won’t have it much easier on the offensive side.
Back with the 49ers in his old role as defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh’s group, while missing key pieces like All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa, is still performing at a high level.
“It starts with play style with them,” Johnson said. “It’s been that way ever since he’s been coaching. I think I went against the Jets one time when he was there. It was a trademark of that defense. It’s a trademark of San Francisco’s defense now. These guys go all out every single snap. They try to get as many defenders in the frame at the end of the play that you possibly can. So, I think that right there, when you go against a play style like that, that’s a challenge in and of itself, because they could potentially out-effort you if you allow them to do that. That’s a huge point of emphasis for us here this week.”
That brings us to our predictions for Week 17.
Adam Hoge
2025 record: 12-3
Regardless of the result, it will be disappointing if the Bears’ offense can’t get going for four quarters against this banged-up 49ers defense. I was prepared to pick San Francisco, but if George Kittle can’t play, it will make a big difference.
Bears 30, 49ers 27
Adam Jahns
2025 record: 11-4
San Francisco has won five games in a row. But the Bears will be the best team the 49ers have faced since their 42-26 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 9. The 49ers’ five wins have come against the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts. They looked impressive against the Colts last week but the Colts are reeling. Indianapolis has lost five in a row and six of seven. Philip Rivers was impressive in his second game back but Caleb Williams and the Bears’ powerful run game will be a different threat to contain for a 49ers defense that struggles to rush the passer.
Bears 27, 49ers 24
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Mark Carman
2025 record: 11-4
There has to be some sort of letdown, right? You beat the Packers in that fashion, it seems like human nature in the holiday season might come into play. Add in the 49ers playing their best football of the season in the middle of a tight division race and I have to give the edge to San Francisco.
49ers 28, Bears 24
Greg Braggs Jr.
2025 record: 11-4
There is a concern for a letdown game after the emotional win over Green Bay last Saturday. But that also felt like a moment the Bears needed. A hurdle they still needed to clear. Now, they have the NFC North in their sights (which could technically be clinched by Saturday night with a Packers loss), but also the chance for a #1 seed and a first-round bye. They’d need to win both to even have a chance.
So while yes, the letdown component is a factor, the schedule has once again favored the Bears, who have had extended rest, while the 49ers are on a short week with Christmas also in the middle of it.
Everything seems to be falling their way. Why should it stop now?
Bears 27, 49ers 24
Corey Wootton
2025 record: 10-5
Tight game down to the wire. The Bears win the NFC North with a win. Having Luther Burden back is big, and the 49ers most likely not having George Kittle – or at least a healthy Kittle – is huge for defense. Big time win!
Bears 30, 49ers 27
Jerry Azumah
2025 record: 10-5
49ers 24, Bears 23
Patrick Norton
2025 record: 9-6
I’m not sure the Bears have an answer for Christian McCaffery anywhere on their defense. Their strain to get off the field last week drained the unit, and the 49ers won’t struggle as much as the Packers did on Saturday in goal-to-go situations. It really comes down to the Bears’ offense’s ability to get going before crunch time in the fourth quarter.
If they can show up early enough to continually match the Niners’ effort and execution, then we’ll have a ballgame on our hands. If not, this might be an opportunity for an early bedtime.
49ers 34, Bears 24
Lance Briggs
2025 record: 9-6
Bears 24, 49ers 19
Stephen Nicholas
2025 record: 7-8
I think this one turns into a shootout. Caleb Williams is nearing Bears records and needs to average 300 yards passing in the last two games to become the Bears’ first 4,000-yard passer. But I’m giving the slight nod to the home team that’s a bit healthier.
I like Colston Loveland to find the end zone against a 49ers defense that’s allowing the fifth most touchdowns to opposing tight ends. Also taking Caleb to pass for 260-plus yards and getting good odds at it at +206. This team has proven me wrong all year long. Let’s hope they can do it again with the No. 1 seed still being a possibility.
49ers 31, Bears 28
