The San Francisco 49ers delivered a high-octane offensive display to outlast the Chicago Bears 42-38 in a dramatic Sunday Night Football shootout that went down to the final play. The win improved San Francisco’s record to 12-4, keeping their hopes alive for the NFC’s No. 1 seed heading into a pivotal Week 18 showdown.
Brock Purdy once again orchestrated the offense masterfully from the quarterback position, completing 24 of 33 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 28 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
His precision, mobility, and clutch plays—including a game-winning 38-yard touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings with 2:15 remaining—helped the 49ers accumulate 496 total yards and overcome an early pick-six.
Despite being selected by the coaching staff to receive the game ball for his near-flawless performance and five total touchdowns (the second straight week he’s achieved that feat), Purdy humbly declined the honor and insisted on giving it to running back Christian McCaffrey.
The gesture highlighted Purdy’s team-first mentality and recognition of McCaffrey’s critical contributions in powering the ground game and sustaining drives.
McCaffrey, thriving in a standout season despite the absence of tight end George Kittle (ankle injury), exploded for 23 carries, 140 rushing yards (including a 41-yard burst), and one touchdown, plus 4 receptions for 41 yards—totaling 181 scrimmage yards.
His explosive runs and reliable hands were instrumental in controlling the clock, converting key third downs, and opening up the passing attack.
The 49ers employed a balanced offensive scheme, blending Purdy’s accurate throws with a dominant rushing attack to keep the Bears’ defense unbalanced.
McCaffrey’s versatility created mismatches across the field, allowing San Francisco to dictate tempo through all four quarters despite defensive struggles (zero sacks recorded).
Linebacker Fred Warner and the defense bent repeatedly but delivered a crucial stop on the final play, as Caleb Williams’ desperation pass from the 2-yard line fell incomplete, preserving the victory after Chicago had driven deep in the closing seconds.
Kicker Eddy Piñeiro provided reliability on extra points in the high-scoring affair, converting all attempts to support the offense’s touchdown-heavy output.
This victory gives San Francisco valuable momentum as they monitor key injuries—including left tackle Trent Williams departing early with a hamstring issue—and prepare for a high-stakes finale. McCaffrey’s resurgence adds even more firepower to the passing and rushing attacks as the team eyes playoff positioning.
The 49ers will gear up for critical matchups that could determine their seeding. Contributions from players like Purdy, McCaffrey, Jennings, and the defense will be vital as they pursue a deep postseason run.
