Bears vs Niners: Five Questions with Niner Noise

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) hands the football off to running back Shaun Draughn (24) during the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi

5. Who are a couple of under the radar players that the Bears need to look out for on Sunday that might surprise them? Please give us an offensive and defensive player.

Running back Shaun Draughn‘s name will be called a lot, but one of the bigger X-factors for me on offense is tight end Vance McDonald. He’s largely been forgettable in his two-plus years with the 49ers. But Gabbert has found something in him. McDonald had his best-career game against a tough Arizona Cardinals defense last week and has two touchdown receptions in as many games — notably, the first two of his pro career.

On defense, my favorite player has been rookie safety Jaquiski Tartt. With veteran safety Antoine Bethea sidelined for the year, Tartt has been the beneficiary of additional snaps. He may be a little raw, but he packs a punch and delivers some intimidation within the secondary — an element the 49ers haven’t really had since Donte Whitner left via free agency.

Bonus – what’s your prediction for the game on Sunday? Please include a final score.

San Francisco hasn’t won on the road all season, and I don’t see any reason why the 49ers can suddenly pull one out now. The 49ers are averaging 14.2 points per game away from Levi’s Stadium and aren’t doing much at home either. Defensively, San Francisco’s lowest points-allowed total on the road is an average of 35.2. That score differential isn’t going to bode well for the 49ers.

I see this one going 24-17 in favor of the Bears.

Big thanks to Peter for his insight.  To get even more of a 49ers perspective for this game, be sure to head over to Niner Noise and check them out!