KEYS TO THE GAME

Bears OTs Blake Brockermeyer and James Williams vs. 49ers DEs Andre Carter and John Engelberger

Brockermeyer had little trouble with Cincinnati rookie phenom Justin Smith and now goes against the player the Bears coveted in this year’s draft in Carter. Williams and Brockermeyer have big size advantages over the 260-pound San Francisco ends. If they can cave in the 49ers’ edges, the Bears’ running game can keep the San Francisco offense off the field.

Bears CB R.W. McQuarters vs. 49ers WR Terrell Owens

Owens devastated the Bears with 20 catches last year as San Francisco thumped the Bears despite only 78 rushing yards. Owens is the heart of the QB Jeff Garcia’s passing plans, with more than double the number of receptions (33) of any other 49er and six of their eight passing TDs. McQuarters’ best revenge for being traded away by SF will be living well at the expense of the team that dumped him.

Bears DT Ted Washington vs. 49ers Centers

Washington has become the linchpin of the defensive line and the 49ers have problems at center. Starter Jeremy Newberry is questionable with an ankle injury and played only six plays vs. Atlanta two weeks ago, and No. 2 Dave Fiore is a starting guard who switched to center when Newberry went down. Washington has the ability to blow up the middle of the SF rushing offense, a major step toward forcing the 49ers to become one-dimensional.