Brock Purdy, 49ers Defeat Bears 42–38, Keep NFC Top Seed Hopes/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more as the San Francisco 49ers edged the Chicago Bears 42–38 in a high-scoring showdown. Despite a late scare, San Francisco’s defense held strong on the final play to secure the win and stay in the race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The 49ers will face the Seahawks in a Week 18 matchup that could determine home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
Quick Look: Key Game Highlights
- Final Score: 49ers 42, Bears 38
- QB Duel: Brock Purdy – 303 yards, 5 total TDs; Caleb Williams – 330 yards, 2 TDs
- Game-Winning Play: 38-yard TD from Purdy to Jauan Jennings with 2:15 left
- Bears’ Final Drive: Caleb Williams came up short on final throw from 2-yard line
- NFC Implications: 49ers (12–4) can clinch No. 1 seed with win vs. Seattle
- Chicago’s Fate: Bears (11–5) out of top-seed race, still fighting for No. 2
- Offensive Explosion: Teams combined for 80 points and 840+ yards
- Top Performers: McCaffrey – 181 total yards and 1 TD
- Record Note: Purdy becomes sixth player since 1970 to have back-to-back games with 5+ total TDs
- Injury Report: Trent Williams (hamstring) and George Kittle (ankle, inactive) among key 49ers hurt
Deep Dive: 49ers Edge Bears in NFC Thriller Led by Purdy
SANTA CLARA, CA — In a prime-time shootout with major playoff implications, Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers overcame a rocky start and a late Chicago rally to beat the Bears 42–38, staying alive in the race for the NFC’s top playoff seed.
With just over two minutes remaining, Purdy launched a 38-yard strike to Jauan Jennings, giving San Francisco a late lead. But the Bears weren’t done. Caleb Williams led a last-minute drive all the way to the 49ers’ 2-yard line. On the final play, Bryce Huff flushed Williams out of the pocket, and his last-ditch throw fell incomplete — ending the game and giving the 49ers their sixth straight win.
“For them to finish like that… it was special,” Purdy said. “I was just watching and praying.”
Purdy Continues Historic Streak
After a five-touchdown masterpiece last week, Purdy followed it up with three TD passes and two rushing touchdowns, completing 24 of 33 passes for 303 yards. He became just the sixth player since the AFL-NFL merger to have back-to-back games with five or more total touchdowns.
His most creative moment came in the third quarter, when he eluded multiple rushers and found Kyle Juszczyk in the end zone after extending the play for more than 8 seconds.
“I was hoping he’d throw it away,” joked Coach Kyle Shanahan, “but he made me extremely happy.”
Chicago’s Late Push Falls Short
Caleb Williams, who has already set an NFL record for six comeback wins after trailing in the final two minutes, nearly made it seven. The rookie QB finished with 330 yards and two TDs, but couldn’t connect on his final throw with the game on the line.
“It’s frustrating. We had our shot,” Williams said.
Chicago had a chance to take control earlier in the fourth quarter but settled for a short field goal by Cairo Santos to make it 38–35.
Back-and-Forth Scoring All Night
The game opened with a jolt — a pick-six by Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards on Purdy’s first pass. But the 49ers rebounded quickly, scoring on their next four drives, including:
- 1-yard TD pass to Jake Tonges
- Two rushing scores by Purdy
- A 1-yard TD run by Christian McCaffrey
The Bears answered with two long TD passes from Williams and a pair of D’Andre Swift rushing scores, keeping pace throughout the game.
Playoff Implications and What’s Next
With the win, the 49ers (12–4) now control their destiny. If they defeat the Seahawks (13–3) in Week 18, they’ll clinch:
- The NFC West Division title
- The No. 1 seed in the NFC
- Home-field advantage throughout the playoffs
- A first-round bye — with the Super Bowl set to be held at Levi’s Stadium
“We’ve earned this,” said Shanahan. “This is the game we want.”
The Bears (11–5) are locked into a playoff spot but can only reach the No. 2 seed with a win over the Lions next week.
Injury Report: Key Players Sidelined
- 49ers:
- LT Trent Williams (hamstring) left on the opening play
- CB Upton Stout (concussion) exited in the second half
- TE George Kittle was inactive (ankle)
- Bears:
- LB Noah Sewell (ankle) left in the third
- DE Joe Tryon-Shoyinka left with a concussion
- WR Olamide Zaccheaus was a late scratch (illness)
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