49ers vs. Bears Week 1 NFL Picks: Can Trey Lance Lead Road Favorites to Victory?
The San Francisco 49ers will be visiting the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon for their Week 1 NFL matchup. Take a look at the odds and trends leading up to this NFC showdown, as well as our predictions for the 49ers-Bears game.
Trey Lance starts his first game as the quarterback for San Francisco, taking over from veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. This is only Lance’s third career start. The Bears are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing record in their last six home games in 2021.
The 49ers secured a 33-22 win at Soldier Field during Week 8 of the previous season, marking their third victory in the last five matchups against the Bears, all of which have been on the road in Chicago.
These are our top NFL picks for the 49ers-Bears game in Week 1, with odds from Pointsbet and FanDuel. Pick confidence is rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
49ers vs. Bears Game Info
Sunday, September 11th at 1 p.m. ET, the game will be broadcasted on FOX from Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The weather forecast includes rain with temperatures around 75 degrees and an 80% chance of precipitation. Wind speeds are expected to be around 9 mph with gusts up to 18 mph.
49ers vs. Bears Odds Analysis
At the start of the offseason, the 49ers were initially favored by 6.5 points in the betting line. The line later increased to -7.5 before ultimately settling at -7 in most of our top sportsbooks.
The Bears started as +210 underdogs on the moneyline but have since dropped to +250 at PointsBet. However, those supporting the Bears can find even better odds of +265 at DraftKings.
The Bears had a consistent 6-2-0 record for the Under when playing at home last season, and this trend is not being ignored in the current odds for Sunday. The total originally opened at 43 at Caesars, but most sportsbooks now have it at 40.5. For those interested in betting the Over, DraftKings is offering the number at 40.
49ers vs. Bears Picks
49ers vs. Bears ATS Pick
49ers -6.5 (-107) ★★★★
Lance displayed glimpses of his immense talent during the preseason, shining with a 92-yard touchdown in the team’s victory against the Green Bay Packers. He showcased his strong rushing abilities with 1,100 yards while guiding North Dakota State to the 2020 FCS national championship. Furthermore, the team’s top rusher from last season, Elijah Mitchell, has been cleared to return after being taken off the injury report on Wednesday.
Bears quarterback Justin Fields is up against a challenging situation as uncertainty looms over the availability of rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr. for Sunday’s game. This adds to the struggles of the Chicago receiving unit, which is already missing key offseason additions David Moore, N’Keal Harry, and Tajae Sharpe.
49ers vs. Bears O/U Pick
Under 40.5 (-110) ★★★★
Injuries, a strong Bears defense, and the likelihood of rain all contribute to the decision to bet on the Under. While both quarterbacks have something to prove, the Bears’ receiving corps is dealing with injuries and the Niners’ offensive line may limit Lance’s chances for aerial success. This suggests that scoring may be low in the game.
49ers vs. Bears Prop Pick
Lance Over 40.5 rushing yards (+100) ★★★
In Lance’s first career start last season, the 49ers struggled to respond to the Arizona Cardinals’ tough defense, resulting in a 17-10 loss. Despite the defeat, Lance showcased his skill in scrambling by running for a game-high 89 yards in the contest.
With potential wet weather and the Bears’ top-ranked pass defense from last season, Lance is expected to run the ball frequently on Sunday.
Where to Bet on 49ers vs. Bears Picks
These are the sportsbooks with the highest ratings:
Picks for the 49ers-Bears game were made on September 8, 2026 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.
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