Kurtenbach: The playoffs start early with 49ers – Bears. My three predictions

The 49ers’ Sunday night matchup with the Chicago Bears isn’t just a game. It’s a dress rehearsal.

For the last month, the 49ers have been feasting on the NFL’s middle class (at best), stacking five straight wins like poker chips. But beating the Titans or the Colts is like winning a sparring match. Nice for the record, sure, but it doesn’t tell you if you can take a punch.

Sunday night against the also 11-4 Chicago Bears? Now that’s a worthy adversary — the first of two playoff games...