The Bears play in San Fransisco tonight a place they haven’t won since the 1985 Super Bowl season.

49ers head coach Mike Singletary will be facing the Bears the first time in his career as a coach.

The Bears have to bring the pressure tonight against Alex Smith and they must contain Frank Gore, who we all know is having a huge season.

The secondary of the Bears is very banged up with Kevin Payne ruled out and Al Afalava questionable after not practicing all week. Nathan Vasher might see some time at safety and expect the Bears to use Steltz or Bullocks a little bit in Afalava’s spot depending on his availability. Good news is Charles Tillman and Tommie Harris will be in the lineup which will help a ton.

Key Matchup:

Danieal Manning on 49ers tight end Vernon Davis. Manning is the most athletic player on this defense, so watch for him to cover Vernon Davis who is basically a wide receiver in the 49ers offense. Davis has been talking lots of trash about this defense and hopefully the Bears respond by shutting him down or at least containing him.

Players to Watch:

1) Earl Bennett- He had a career week last week, but it was when the Bears were behind. Watch for Bennett to finally get in the end-zone for his first career touchdown.

2) Alex Brown- He will be pumped up, I expect a sack and an interception for the veteran defensive end.

3) Lance Briggs- He needs to bring some life to this defense, which has struggled mightily against Arizona and Cincinnati.

Keys to the Game:

1) Make Alex Smith beat you with his arm, pressure the young QB constantly.

2) Contain Frank Gore if that means putting eight men in the box then fine.

3) Get the running game going with Matt Forte and if that doesn’t work find other ways of getting him the ball, screen passes maybe.

4) Stop allowing teams to convert on third downs, it is totally unacceptable.

Prediction:

Bears 23, 49ers 16

Bear Down!