49ers vs. Bears 2022 NFL Week 1 Odds, Preview & Pick

By Jeff Stinger • September 6, 2022

A pair of rookie quarterbacks from the previous season will go head-to-head in the first week of the new football season, as Trey Lance and the San Francisco 49ers visit the Windy City to take on Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears. Which of these two storied NFC franchises will get their season off on the right foot?

Nitrobetting is ready to equip its bettors with the latest news, odds, and special features for the entire duration of the 2022 NFL season. This time, let’s take a closer look at the upcoming Week 1 clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears.

49ers vs. Bears Game Information

One more week til @19problemz and company are back in action.

Catch #SFvsCHI on @NFLonFOX. pic.twitter.com/wif8QVauDT
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 4, 2022

When: Sunday, September 11, 2022, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
TV: FOX
Radio: KNBR 680 (49ers) // ESPN Radio 1000 (Bears)
Live Stream: NFL Game Pass
NFL Odds: 49ers (-7) // Bears (+7)

Why Bet on the San Francisco 49ers?

There’s a new sheriff in San Francisco, as 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan officially named Trey Lance as his team’s starting quarterback this upcoming 2022 NFL season. It’s quite the brazen move for the Niners, who are coming off an NFC Championship Game appearance behind the arm of Jimmy Garoppolo.

Lance was selected with the third-overall pick at the 2021 NFL Draft but only played in five games (two starts) for 603 passing yards, five touchdown passes, and two interceptions. Garoppolo had the experience and the deep playoff runs as San Fran’s starting QB, but Jimmy G’s solid floor of production is no longer needed considering the high ceiling that the young Lance could deliver.

Nevertheless, the 49ers’ running game should be in good hands with Elijah Mitchell also entering his sophomore season in the pros. The sixth-rounder out of Louisiana had a terrific albeit shortened rookie campaign due to some minor injuries, as Mitchell amassed over 1,000 all-purpose yards and six offensive TDs in just 11 games. San Francisco’s defense is also top-notch, ranking third in the league last season in yards allowed (310.0 YAPG) and tied for eighth in points allowed per contest (21.5 PAPG).

Why Bet on the Chicago Bears?

Unlike Lance, the Chicago Bears gave their first-overall pick from last year’s draft much more time during the 2021 season to work with. However, quarterback Justin Fields had a rough going in his maiden NFL campaign as Chicago finished with a mere 6-11 record and 2-8 with the young gunslinger under center.

Fields was a bit too green for the Bears’ liking, as the 11th-overall pick out of Ohio State threw for just 1,870 yards with seven passing touchdowns to 10 INTs. On the other hand, Fields was quite terrific in the run game, adding 72 carries for 420 rushing yards and a pair of rushing TDs under his belt.

With Chicago’s receiving corps lacking in star power, running back David Montgomery will be a huge factor for the team’s offense. Montgomery failed to repeat as a 1,000-yard rusher in 2021 no thanks to a knee injury that saw him miss a month of action. The Bears’ once-respected defense is also suspect entering the new season given the departure of six-time Pro Bowl linebacker Khalil Mack.

49ers vs. Bears Betting Trends

The 49ers went 6-3 on the road the previous regular season (5-4 ATS).
The Niners are 3-2 against Chicago since 2015 (SU/ATS).
The totals went under in three of the last four meetings between these two teams.
The Bears went 3-5 at home in 2021 (SU/ATS), with all five of those home losses coming in succession mid-season.
Da Bears are winless in six consecutive games as home dogs (0-6 ATS as well).
The totals went under in six of the last eight games played in Soldier Field.

49ers vs. Bears Expert Betting Predictions

There’s a ton of uncertainly at quarterback on both sides of this matchup, which should make Sunday’s contest closer than what the odds would suggest. The Bears have fared relatively well against the Niners of late, and having the home-field advantage for the season opener might just be enough for Chicago to pull off one of the biggest upsets in Week 1 when all is said and done.

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*All stated odds are subject to change without prior notice.