49ers Edge Bears in High-Scoring Thriller

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — In a nail-biting finish, Brock Purdy connected with Jauan Jennings for a 38-yard touchdown with just over two minutes left on the clock, leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 42-38 victory against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. The game also sets up a critical Week 18 matchup for the NFC’s top seed.

Caleb Williams brought the Bears (11-5) back into contention in the closing moments, but he was pressured by Bryce Huff, which led to an incomplete pass intended for Jahday Walker. Walker couldn’t quite get to it in the end zone, sealing the 49ers’ sixth consecutive victory (12-4).

Following a remarkable performance last week where he threw five touchdown passes against Indianapolis, Purdy delivered another strong outing, with three touchdown passes and two rushing scores. He now joins an exclusive group, being one of only six players since the AFL-NFL merger to achieve five or more touchdowns in back-to-back games.

This victory positions the 49ers to potentially face Seattle (13-3) in their season finale on Saturday, with a chance for a bye in the NFC West. A win would also secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, especially with the Super Bowl slated for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Bears, this loss dashed their hopes for the top seed. Chicago has, however, already clinched the NFC North title and could still achieve the No. 2 seed if they can defeat Detroit next Sunday.

Purdy completed 24-of-33 passes for 303 yards, while Christian McCaffrey contributed with 41 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown.

On the other hand, Williams finished the night going 25-of-42 for 330 yards and two touchdowns, but fell short despite previously leading the Bears to an NFL-record six victories after trailing with just two minutes left in games.

Things started off with a bang, as Chicago’s TJ Edwards scored on a pick-six right from the game’s first play. However, the defenses struggled to contain the offenses for most of the night, leaving the 49ers leading 28-21 at halftime.

In the third quarter, both teams continued trading touchdowns, with D’Andre Swift scoring for Chicago and Purdy executing a spectacular play, avoiding two defenders before delivering a short TD pass to Kyle Juszczyk.

Eventually, the Bears forced a punt, and with just over five minutes remaining, Cairo Santos kicked a short field goal after a failed third-down attempt in the red zone to bring Chicago to a 38-35 lead.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Bears’ defense made a notable impact, with Edwards scoring on a deflected pass return on the very first play—an impressive feat for Chicago, marking their first defensive score on the initial play in around 45 years.

Responding to the early setback, Purdy led San Francisco down the field on a 65-yard drive, capped off by a 1-yard touchdown pass to Jake Tonges. Throughout the first half, San Francisco maintained momentum, leading to a score of 28-21 at the break.

Purdy’s contributions included two rushing touchdowns, and with McCaffrey also bringing in a score, despite allowing a couple of deep touchdowns to Williams, the 49ers managed to stay ahead at halftime.