Bears predictions: Week 17 at 49ers

The Sun-Times’ Bears experts make their picks for the prime-time game Sunday in San Francisco (7:20 p.m., NBC 5):

Patrick Finley

Bears, 31-30: The Bears have more than a 48-hour rest advantage over the 49ers after the latter played Monday night and had to fly home from Indianapolis. Season: 10-5.

Jason Lieser

49ers, 30-27: The fact these teams are on equal footing about a year after the 49ers embarrassed the Bears is impressive work by Ben Johnson. Going on the road in prime time will be a tough one to pull off, though. Season: 8-7.

Scoop Jackson

49ers, 35-31: The “Return To Earth” game. The deflator of the euphoria. The reminder that the playoffs are about to be nothing like the regular season and the Bears better be prepared to (probably) see this team again soon. Season: 7-8.

Steve Greenberg

49ers, 31-23: Have the Niners finished lighting up the Colts or are they still at it? On the one hand, they have a short week after playing Monday, which favors the Bears. On the other hand, division-title implications are heavy for both sides, so we should see close to both teams' best. And only one of these terrific teams has Christian McCaffrey. Season: 11-4.

Mark Potash

49ers, 34-27: The Bears are capable of winning shootouts, but this is a tough chore on the road against a red-hot 49ers offense — with the possibility of a letdown after the exhilarating victory over the Packers. Season: 10-5.