The 49ers Week 1 matchup vs. the Bears won’t just be compelling because it’s the beginning of the Trey Lance era, he’ll also be matched up against a quarterback San Francisco elected to pass on.
In fact, Justin Fields wasn’t even in the 49ers’ top two of QBs available when they selected Lance with the No. 3 overall pick last year. Kyle Shanahan has stated that he was choosing between Lance and Mac Jones, who was eventually selected by the Patriots at No. 15. Fields was picked by the Bears at No. 11.
Chicago receiver Darnell Moody believes that gives Fields extra to prove on Sunday, and that SF will pay.
“He going to prove everything that everyone doubted him on,” Moody said. “Especially Week 1. That team passed on him so they’re going to have to pay a little bit for that.”
Interestingly, Fields already had a chance to make the 49ers pay last season and did not, with the Bears losing 33-22 at home. It should be noted that Fields was excellent in the game, throwing a touchdown while also rushing for 103 yards and scoring one of the coolest TD runs you’ll ever see.
At +6.5, the Bears are one of the biggest underdogs in Week 1. If Fields can lead the Bears to victory, against Lance no less, it will be quite the statement.