"For the last month, the 49ers have been feasting on the NFL's middle class (at best), stacking five straight wins like poker chips. But beating the Titans or the Colts is like winning a sparring match. Nice for the record, sure, but it doesn't tell you if you can take a punch. Sunday night against the also 11-4 Chicago Bears? Now that's a worthy adversary - the first of two playoff games the 49ers will play before the playoffs officially start."
"Can the Niners' beleaguered defense hold against one of the league's best tacticians with a headset and talents at quarterback? Can Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan keep the Niners' offense humming if the irreplaceable George Kittle (didn't practice all week, officially designated as questionable with an ankle injury) cannot play? This game has all the makings of a shootout that should make Purdy and Williams (Iowa State and Oklahoma) feel like they're back in college."
"The 49ers Don't Just Win, They Blow the Doors Off: I started the week thinking this might be a high-scoring, back-and-forth type of game, but I'm changing my tune. I'm done predicting close games for the 49ers. They will play nothing but blowouts - one way or another, the rest of the year. I think this way is a win. The 49ers have flaws on top of flaws, bu"
San Francisco has won five straight games against mostly inferior opponents, leaving questions about readiness for stronger competition. The Sunday night game against 11-4 Chicago functions as a dress rehearsal with significant stakes, including momentum for a Week 18 winner-take-all against Seattle for the NFC West and the No. 1 seed. Chicago has regained confidence despite a marquee win via an onside kick, presenting a meaningful test. Key uncertainties include whether the 49ers' struggling defense can contain Chicago's strategist and quarterback and whether Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan can sustain the offense without George Kittle, who is questionable with an ankle injury.
Read at The Mercury News
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