5 matchups that will decide Chicago Bears vs 49ers

4. 49ers interior offensive line vs Chicago Bears interior defensive line

Two key losses from the 49ers’ offensive line include Alex Mack and Laken Tomlinson. They are hoping that a move from Dane Brunksill to Spencer Burford is an upgrade, but Burford is a rookie fourth-rounder. He is not from a big school either, so he is in a similar spot to Braxton Jones.

Still, that is a big positive development in the interior. Beside him are Jake Brendel and Aaron Banks. Banks is a second-round pick, but he could not get on the field last season. The team seems to be satisfied with his development, but it will be worth watching.

Brendel is the huge question as he has barely played despite being in the NFL since 2017. The 49ers must see something in him, but he is a huge question mark to start the year.

Still, the Bears have some edge rush talent, but the interior defensive line is just coming together. They added Armon Watts on waivers after he was cut. That may have to do with a new coaching change, but he was a sixth-round pick as well. Justin Jones was the team’s backup plan after missing on Larry Ogunjobi.

Angelo Blackson was nice in a rotational role, but now that Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols are not here, there is a lot more attention on him for the first time. Lastly is Mike Pennel, who is mainly just a nose tackle.

Both groups have not played together, both have inexperienced pieces, and bets on development. Whichever side wins up front in this matchup will go a long way.