Our Bears are in San Francisco to face another NFC playoff contender, who are coached by former Bear Jim Harbaugh. As Sam Householder details, history is not on our side... but someone very near and dear to Bears fans' hearts once said that the past is for cowards and losers. Someone's going to lose tonight (probably) but, with two of the fiercest defenses in the NFL taking to the field, there won't be room for any cowards out there.
A few talking points to whet your appetite:
49ers: Smith out, Kaepernick in - Chris Boden: The Bears' defense faces a younger, less patient signal-caller on the other side of the ball.
Bears will stick to the plan vs. 49ers in battle of backups - Adam L. Jahns: "They’re still going to be a running football team and the pass will be secondary," coach Lovie Smith said.
Colin Kaepernick will either be amazing or awful, according to this stat - Since 2006, four other QBs have made their starting debuts on MNF. They were Phillip Rivers, Aaron Rodgers, Curtis Painter and Tyler Palko.
Inside the Bears single-safety success - Why the Bears' D has been so successful this season and how Colin Kaepernick can challenge it.
[Video] Bears-49ers showdown - Eddie George and Mr Creosote Jason Cole break down how the teams match up and give their predictions.
Coach's Big Decision - Michael C. Wright: Alshon Jeffery’s return might take some pressure off Marshall, and Jason Campbell’s lack of history with the No. 1 receiver might actually lead to better ball distribution.
Bears forfeit tight end spot - Steve Rosenbloom: If Lovie Smith thinks Kellen Davis can do what good tight ends can do, then Smith can't do what good coaches can do.
[Video] Pregame Field Report - Lisa Salters reports on the Bears and 49ers heading into their Monday Night Football matchup.
More game previews and articles in today's Bears Den.
Weather forecast for the game from NFL Weather:
Partly sunny, with a high near 64. South southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Where to watch
USA - ESPN, for your weekly dose of Gruden.
UK - All MNF games are available advertisement-free on the BBC, via the red button or online (radio commentary on BBC Five Live with... Rocky Boiman. Hey, he was in Madden '06. LB for Washington, if memory serves...).
O Canada! - Watch this foreign sport here!
Elsewhere - Check the ESPN America schedule.
Inactives
Bears: Cutler, McClellin (both concussions), Toeaina (calf), DJ Moore (healthy scratch!), Ozougwu, E. Williams, Sanzenbacher
49ers: Alex Smith (concussion), RB Brandon Jacobs, RB LaMichael James, WR A.J. Jenkins, G Joe Looney, FS Trenton Robinson, NT Ian Williams.
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See you for the 8.30pm ET (1.30am GMT / 2.30am CET) kickoff!