The Chicago Bears will look to continue their remarkable season with a road game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football.
The Bears have won two straight games and are 11-4 on the season after earning an incredible comeback win and upset over the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, the 49ers are on a five-game winning streak entering this one.
The Bears and 49ers will both make the NFL Playoffs. However, the next two games will decide seeding.
Let’s break down this week’s Sunday night football picks and odds.
Best Bets for Chicago Bears vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sunday’s game between the Bears and 49ers is a potential NFC playoff matchup. Ultimately, both defenses have been a little overrated. But the offenses have been sensational.
The Bears are 11-4 despite having a differential of 2.2. That’s hard to sustain. However, the 49ers are also 11-4 and have a differential of just 4.8. Neither team is destroying their opponent. But both teams are finishing games out right.
Unless we get a tie, someone’s got to win. Who will it be?
Sunday Night Odds (49ers -3)
The 49ers have been the more consistent offense this season. They’ve added 26.13 points per game and ultimately have more consistent receivers. That said, despite having Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers have rushed for way fewer yards per game this season.
The duo of D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai has done wonders. The pair has helped the Bears rush for over 150 yards per game this season.
That said, the 49ers have allowed just about 103 yards rushing per game. That’s not bad at all. However, PFF has the 49ers graded at 51.5 as a rushing defense. It’s very likely the Bears find holes and gaps in the running game.
At the end of the day, the spread hasn’t moved much since opening. However, the total has increased by two from 50.5 to 52.5. That’s consistent with our analysis that both defenses have been worse than advertised.
Sunday Night Picks (Bears +3)
If the Bears can control the running game and stay within striking distance by the fourth quarter, the Bears should be able to at least cover. They’ve had a magical season with crazy wins all season.
The fact is, the Bears stick around and then find a way.
The 49ers have been worse in the tackling department per PFF and don’t grade better in any category but pass rush on the defensive side. The Bears have a lot of confidence and swag right now.
I’ll happily take the Bears at +3 with the way things have gone recently.
Expert Pick: Bears +3 (-105) at BetMGM
Chicago’s D’Andre Swift (Over 54.5 Rushing Yards -110)
D’Andre Swift has earned at least 55 rushing yards in four straight games. He’s averaged about 15 carries in each of his last ten games and has earned an average of 80.6 yards per game during that stretch.
Yet, he’s got a line of just 54.5 rushing yards for Sunday Night Football. The 49ers rank in the middle of the NFL in rushing yards allowed. But we’ve already discussed how the 49ers are a bit deceiving on defense and aren’t performing as well against the run analytically.
Swift has earned at least 33 yards of contact in each of his last two games. If you recall, we also talked about how the 49ers aren’t tackling as well this season. If Swift breaks out for a couple of big gains, he’ll reach at least 55 rushing yards.
Expert Pick: D’Andre Swift Over 54.5 Rushing Yards (-110) at Caesars
Place Your Football Picks & How to Bet Smart This Week
There are many massive games on this week’s NFL slate for Week 17.
Some teams are looking to sneak into the playoffs. Other teams are tanking and getting ready for next year.
When more news comes out for each game, you’ll find a ton of value with sportsbooks not moving lines promptly based on news. Take advantage!
Consider placing bets on Sunday Night’s Football game, but also remember that you can bet on all games. If you see value, take it!
Check out all the picks and props using OddsTrader for all Week 17 NFL games.
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.