Predictions Summary Projections by Position Projection Team Boxes

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Prediction: CHI 20, SF 24 (Line: SF by 7)

UPDATE: The 49ers will likely be without CB Tramaine Brock who would have matched on Alshon Jeffery. But both Jeffery and Marshall are questionable this week. Neither practiced on Wednesday or Thursday but Jeffery was able to do some limited work on Friday. Marshall could only jog on his ankle. Right now it is a game time decision for both and this is a Sunday night game – maybe not many other options for owners making lineup decisions. If you want to use either, you will be making a risky play. Marshall has certainly played in the past without practicing. Jeffery was able to do some limited work as a favorable sign. But the Bears are not making their decision until they have to. I am lowering their projections a bit but it all depends on if they play or not.

This is an interesting game with the Bears coming off a surprising home loss to the Bills and the 49ers returning home after being handed presents in Dallas for 60 minutes. The home opener for the 49ers should go well with the Bears realizing the lack of defense is not helping their offense.

What may have been the lightest matchup in the first half of the season turned into a loss. There are five road games and only two home stands until the week nine bye and none of them are going to be easy. The biggest problem was not the productivity of the Bills but the mistakes of the Bears along with injuries to Alshon Jeffery and the offensive line. C Roberto Garza has a high ankle sprain and LG Matt Slauson sprained his ankle and both could miss this week.

QUARTERBACK : Jay Cutler passed for 349 yards and two scores against the Bills but also tossed two interceptions. He was sacked twice and hurried many other times with an offensive line that was having problems with the Bills defense. Cutler emerged with no injuries himself so that was sort of a small win. If the line doesn’t compensate for injuries, Cutler may not continue to be so lucky.

RUNNING BACK : Matt Forte had no problems with the Bills as he rushed for 82 yards on 17 carries (4.8 YPC) and he added eight catches for 87 yards. Better yet – Ka’Deem Carey only ran one time. Forte continues to get all there is to get and goes against a defense that gave up 118 yards to DeMarco Murray.

WIDE RECEIVER : Brandon Marshall turned in eight catches for 70 yards and one score last week but twisted his ankle. He is expected to play with no limitations on Sunday. Alshon Jeffery (5-71) left the game in the third quarter with what was called a hamstring injury but HC Marc Trestman said it was a minor thing. Barring unforeseen problems, Jeffery will be good to go this week and has not been seen with any limp. Santonio Holmes only came up with two catches for 21 yards and remains a very distant #3 in this offense.

TIGHT END : Martellus Bennett opened the year with eight receptions for 71 yards and one score in the loss to Buffalo and he was targeted more than all other receivers besides Marshall. When Jeffery left, Cutler turned to Bennett and not Holmes as his outlet.

MATCH TO THE DEFENSE: The 49ers defense has suffered numerous suspensions and injuries even though last week it was never an issue. They did give up 118 yards and a score to Murray and Romo eventually passed for 281 yards on them though without giving any receiver a big game. Lower expectations on the road but Cutler, Marshall, Jeffery and Forte are every week starters. Bennett faces a good defense against tight ends though that limited Jason Witten to only 14 yards.

The 49ers come off their nice win in Dallas still not certain just how good or bad their defense is. But at least the offense was effective and efficient capitalizing on short fields and rolling up a nice lead in Dallas. It was a surprise that the 49ers did not take more advantage of what is a weaker secondary but the entire game was skewed by the rapid fire interceptions in the first half that allowed them to mostly coast to a victory.

QUARTERBACK : While Colin Kaepernick only threw for 201 yards, he had two scores and no turnovers. He stayed in the pocket more as well with five runs for 11 yards but that will change depending on game situation and opponent. The 49ers want Kaepernick to run, but to pick his spots where to do it.

RUNNING BACK : Frank Gore (16-63) was effective running though gave up seven runs to Carlos Hyde who scored and gained 50 yards. Both runners looked sharp and Hyde in particular showed both quick feet and yet bruising power. Early returns are excellent on Hyde who will become the primary back as early as next year.

WIDE RECEIVER : Anquan Boldin loves opening week and yet again showed up big with eight catches for 99 yards in Dallas. No other receiver managed more than four catches or 44 yards. Michael Crabtree was a game time decision because of his calf but was able to play. He only ended with two receptions for 25 yards – less than Stevie Johnson (2-33). The 49ers may get away with only moderate passing again this week.

TIGHT END : While he only caught four passes for 44 yards, Vernon Davis scored on two to account for all of the 49ers passing touchdowns. If this is an indication of the future, Crabtree is not going to reprise his 2012 role at the expense of Davis this year.

MATCH TO THE DEFENSE: The 49ers are bound to run as much as they can to control the game, eat the clock and minimize how much Cutler can hurt them with the pass. Both Gore and Hyde are only flex plays at best and neither caught any passes in Dallas. But the rushing game will have some success here and divide up what is gained. Kaepernick and Davis are weekly starts but even Boldin is a reasonable WR3 for the week. Crabtree needs to show up and matter before considering him for a fantasy start.

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