At a Glance
- 49ers defeat Bears 42-38 in Week 17 Sunday Night Football.
- Brock Purdy throws five touchdowns, including a pick-six on the opening play.
- The win lifts San Francisco to 12-4, setting up a showdown with the 13-3 Seahawks.
- Why it matters: The victory keeps the 49ers in contention for the NFC West crown and the conference’s top seed.
The 49ers overcame a dramatic start to claim a 42-38 win over the Bears in Week 17. Brock Purdy’s five-touchdown performance, capped by a pick-six, set the tone for an exciting back-and-forth battle.
Game Summary
The game swung early when Purdy intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown on the first play. Despite a shaky start, San Francisco never fell behind, with the 49ers’ offense consistently finding the end zone.
- First play: Purdy pick-six.
- Key injury: George Kittle missed the game with an ankle sprain; Trent Williams suffered a hamstring injury.
- Final play: Caleb Williams had a chance for a hero touchdown, but the 49ers’ defense held firm.
Key Performances
Brock Purdy completed 24 of 33 passes for 303 yards and threw three touchdowns, adding two rushing scores. Christian McCaffrey rushed for 140 yards on 23 carries, including a season-long run, and added 41 receiving yards on four catches.
| Player | Passing | Rushing | Receiving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brock Purdy | 303 yds, 3 TDs | 2 TDs | – |
| Christian McCaffrey | – | 140 yds, 1 TD | 41 yds |
The Bears’ offense managed 440 total yards against San Francisco’s 496 yards.
Standings Impact
With the win, the 49ers improve to 12-4 and will host the 13-3 Seahawks next Saturday. The winner of that matchup will claim the NFC West and the No. 1 seed. Chicago finishes 11-5, capping its season at the No. 2 seed.
Analysis
The game highlighted offensive dominance but exposed defensive fragility for both teams. The 49ers’ ability to stay ahead despite early setbacks underscores their resilience, while the Bears’ record of six wins in the final two minutes of regulation demonstrates a knack for clutch play-though they fell short on this occasion.
Key Takeaways
- Brock Purdy’s five-touchdown game keeps the 49ers in title contention.
- Christian McCaffrey’s breakout performance fuels the team’s offensive firepower.
- The 49ers’ 12-4 record sets up a pivotal showdown with the Seahawks for the No. 1 seed.
The 49ers’ victory keeps the playoff picture alive, setting the stage for a high-stakes Week 18 clash that could determine the division champion and the conference’s top seed.
