49ers Outlast Bears 42–38, Set Up NFC Top-Seed Showdown.

Santa Clara, Calif. — Brock Purdy delivered another standout performance as the San Francisco 49ers narrowly defeated the Chicago Bears 42–38 on Sunday night, keeping their hopes alive for the top seed in the NFC. Purdy connected with Jauan Jennings on a 38-yard touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining, giving San Francisco the lead for good. The 49ers’ defense sealed the victory on the final play, forcing an incomplete pass from Bears quarterback Caleb Williams at the goal line. San Francisco (12–4) has now won six consecutive games and will play Seattle next Saturday night with the NFC West title, a first-round bye, and home-field advantage on the line. With the Super Bowl scheduled to be held at Levi’s Stadium, the 49ers also have a chance to remain at home throughout the postseason. Purdy finished the game completing 24 of 33 passes for 303 yards, throwing three touchdowns and rushing for two more. He became just the sixth player since the AFL-NFL merger to record at least five total touchdowns in back-to-back games.

Running back Christian McCaffrey added 140 rushing yards, one touchdown, and 41 receiving yards. Chicago (11–5) mounted several scoring drives behind Williams, who threw for 330 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears quarterback had already led his team to six late comeback wins this season but came up short in the final moments of this contest.

The game featured explosive offense from both teams. Chicago struck first with a pick-six on the opening play, but San Francisco quickly responded and led 28–21 at halftime. The teams exchanged touchdowns throughout the second half, including a highlight-reel play in which Purdy extended the play for over eight seconds before finding fullback Kyle Juszczyk for a touchdown. The Bears briefly took the lead late in the fourth quarter on a field goal, but Purdy’s final touchdown drive proved decisive. Defensive pressure from Bryce Huff on the final snap forced Williams to throw on the run, ending Chicago’s comeback attempt.

The loss eliminated Chicago’s chance at the NFC’s top seed, though the Bears have already secured the NFC North title and can still claim the No. 2 seed with a win next week.

San Francisco will host Seattle in a winner-take-all matchup, while Chicago returns home to face Detroit in its regular-season finale.