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GAME ESSENTIALS: 49ers (0-0) at Bears (0-0) at Soldier Area, at 10 a.m. (PT). TV: FOX (KTVU, Ch. 2). Announcers: Joe Davis (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (shade commentary), Pam Oliver (sideline reporting).
ODDS: 49ers -7. OVER/UNDER: 40.5.
SERIES: Tied 32-32-1. LAST MEETING: 49ers received 33-22 on Oct. 31, 2021.
Because the 49ers get able to kick off the 2022 season, there’s so much concerning the group that is still the identical from 2021, after they had been on the cusp of an NFC title. However the one distinction is on the place that issues probably the most — and can virtually actually be the dominant storyline of their season, regardless of the way it finally ends up.
Trey Lance will play his first sport because the full-time beginning quarterback in Chicago on Sunday because the 49ers tackle the Bears. The third total choose within the 2021 NFL Draft, Lance backed up Jimmy Garoppolo final season, beginning twice when Garoppolo missed video games due to accidents.
Whereas Lance turning into the starter for 2022 appears to have been the plan alongside, the larger shock is that Garoppolo continues to be right here — even to move coach Kyle Shanahan. Garoppolo accepted a contract that considerably diminished his assured cash, however nonetheless makes him the highest-paid backup quarterback within the NFL and, if Shanahan wants him to play, has incentives that would greater than double his wage, by season’s finish.
There’s additionally the quarterback matchup on the sphere, too, as Lance’s fellow 2021 first spherical choose Justin Fields (eleventh total) will start because the Bears starter. Fields began 10 video games for the lowly Bears final season and can undoubtedly have his efficiency in comparison with Lance’s on Sunday — particularly if he leads the Bears to an upset win over a group who might have taken him.
Outdoors of the quarterback place, the 49ers are returning a really comparable roster to final season’s NFC runner-up. On protection, Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead and Fred Warner are set to paved the way. And after a tumultuous offseason of rumors, Deebo Samuel has a long-term contract extension and might be a part of a dynamic group of offensive playmakers.
Well being is at all times an element within the NFL, although, and the Niners will miss security Jimmie Ward (hamstring) for the primary 4 weeks and will not have George Kittle (groin) on Sunday after the tight finish didn’t follow all week and was listed as questionable on Friday’s damage report. How the 49ers deal with the downpour in Chicago additionally might be value watching.
How will Lance look in his debut because the full-time starter? Can the 49ers protection begin off sturdy? Will Kittle play? How will the climate influence the sport?
Comply with together with our reporters Cam Inman and Jerry McDonald, columnist Dieter Kurtenbach and different analysts offering their ideas concerning the sport.