49ers Playoff Hopes Soar After Thrilling 42-38 Victory Over Bears

The San Francisco 49ers kept their top playoff seed hopes alive with a dramatic 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears. The high-scoring showdown took place on Sunday Night Football, December 28th, 2025. The victory improves the 49ers’ record to 12-4 heading into the final week of the regular season.

The win was crucial for the team’s playoff positioning. According to ESPN analysts, the 49ers now have a strong chance to win the NFC West division. Their fate will be decided in a Week 18 clash against the Seattle Seahawks.

Purdy Leads Stunning Fourth-Quarter Comeback

Quarterback Brock Purdy delivered a signature performance under the primetime lights. He completed 24 of 33 passes for 303 yards. Purdy accounted for five total touchdowns, including a decisive 38-yard strike to Jauan Jennings late in the fourth quarter.

That clutch pass gave the 49ers their final lead with just over two minutes remaining. The Bears’ offense, led by Caleb Williams, had kept pace all night. Williams threw for 342 yards but could not answer on the game’s final drive.

Running back Christian McCaffrey was a powerhouse for San Francisco. He rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown, adding 41 receiving yards. His versatility kept the Bears’ defense off-balance throughout the contest.

Week 18 Showdown Will Decide NFC’s Top Seed

The playoff picture is now intensely clear. San Francisco’s path to the No. 1 seed requires a win against the Seattle Seahawks on January 4th, 2026. A Seahawks loss in their final game would also help the 49ers’ cause.

If both teams win their finales, Seattle claims the top seed due to tiebreakers. This sets up one of the most consequential regular-season finales in recent memory. The entire NFC playoff bracket hinges on the outcome of this division rivalry game.

This victory proved the 49ers possess the resilience of a true contender. Winning a back-and-forth shootout on the road builds immense confidence. The team will need every bit of that momentum heading into their winner-take-all matchup.

The 49ers playoff hopes are firmly in their own hands after this character-building win. Their entire season now comes down to one game at home against their fiercest rival.

Info at your fingertips

What do the 49ers need for the No. 1 playoff seed?

They must beat the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18. They also need the Seahawks to lose their other final game to secure the top seed outright.

How many touchdowns did Brock Purdy have?

Purdy accounted for five total touchdowns in the win over the Bears. His performance included both passing and rushing scores.

What was the final score of the 49ers vs. Bears game?

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears by a score of 42-38. The game was decided in the final minutes.

How did Christian McCaffrey perform?

McCaffrey had 181 total yards from scrimmage. He scored a touchdown and was a consistent offensive threat all night.