The Chicago Bears have a golden opportunity to strengthen their bid for the No. 1 seed in the NFC as they prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers this evening on Sunday Night Football. While the Bears have already secured the NFC North title due to the Green Bay Packers” disappointing performance in Week 17, their sights are firmly set on the top playoff spot. Achieving the No. 1 seed would grant them a valuable bye during the Wild Card round, which could be crucial given their ongoing injury struggles. A week off for the first time since their Week 5 bye could provide the necessary recovery time for a strong postseason push.
To claim the top seed, the Bears need to win both of their remaining games, starting with tonight”s contest against the 49ers. Despite facing their own injury challenges, the 49ers have had a remarkable season and also have a shot at the No. 1 seed if they can overcome Chicago. However, they are expected to be without one of their key offensive weapons: seven-time Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle.
According to ESPN”s NFL insider Adam Schefter, Kittle is “highly unlikely” to be on the field at Levi Stadium this evening. The absence of Kittle would significantly impact the 49ers” passing game, as he ranks second on the team with 599 receiving yards and is tied for second in touchdown receptions with seven, alongside Christian McCaffrey. In Kittle”s absence, the 49ers may have to rely even more heavily on McCaffrey or hope that another receiver steps up, which could be a daunting task as they gear up for the playoffs. Additionally, losing Kittle”s blocking prowess in the run game would be a considerable setback for the 49ers.
Even without Kittle, the matchup will not be easy for the Bears. The 49ers possess a formidable rushing attack and have shown resilience throughout the season. Quarterback Brock Purdy has established himself as a capable starting quarterback, and head coach Kyle Shanahan remains one of the most respected offensive strategists in the league. To secure a victory against the 49ers and move closer to the top seed, the Bears will need a standout performance from their players, particularly on offense.
