Week 17 Recap: 49ers Edge Past Bears in Thrilling SNF Matchup
On Sunday night, the San Francisco 49ers grabbed a tight 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears. This win sets up an opportunity for the 49ers to capture the NFC regular-season title in Week 18. For the Bears, a win next week or an Eagles loss will secure them the no. 2 seed in the NFC.
This primetime matchup featured two quarterbacks whose paths could not be more different. San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy was the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and worked his way into a starting role. Chicago quarterback Caleb Williams was the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and was immediately named the starter. Regardless, both quarterbacks have led their teams to top-10 total offenses this season, according to FOX Sports.
Both teams needed to lean on their offense, as Pro Football Reference ranks San Francisco and Chicago’s total defenses in the bottom half of the NFL. While their offenses have been dominant, both teams have been missing crucial pass catchers. 49ers tight end George Kittle hurt his ankle in Week 16, and Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is out for the fourth straight game with a foot injury.
The Bears gained an early lead on the game’s first play with Purdy throwing a pick-6 to linebacker T.J. Edwards. On the same play, 49ers All-Pro tackle Trent Williams injured his hamstring and was ruled out for the rest of the game.
Purdy quickly redeemed himself on the following drive with a touchdown throw to tight end Jake Tonges. For the rest of the half, both teams exchanged touchdowns, with the 49ers ultimately leading at the half. Purdy had two rushing touchdowns, and Williams threw two touchdown passes to put the halftime score at 28-21.
To open the half, the Bears scored with a 10-play touchdown drive. Williams threw three deep passes to set up a 2-yard touchdown run for running back D’Andre Swift. Purdy threw another touchdown pass on the 49ers’ next offensive possession to put San Francisco up 35-28 at the end of the third quarter.
Swift scored another rushing touchdown on Chicago’s first drive of the fourth quarter to tie the game once again. The 49ers ended up punting for only the second time this month, giving the Bears an opportunity to take the lead. Chicago was able to kick a field goal, but San Francisco quickly responded with a receiving touchdown from wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
Jenning’s touchdown created a potential game-winning drive for the Bears. Williams got his team down to the 2-yard line with multiple big completions to tight end Colston Loveland. A touchdown would have sealed the victory, but Williams was unable to find the open man and ultimately let the clock expire.
The 49ers will go into Week 18 with hopes of clinching home-field advantage for the rest of the season. On Saturday, San Francisco will face their familiar NFC West rival, the Seattle Seahawks, for their final game of the regular season.