San Francisco, CA — Brock Purdy delivered an electrifying performance Sunday night that kept the San Francisco 49ers’ hopes for the NFL’s No. 1 playoff seed alive, outdueling the Chicago Bears in a 42-38 shootout on Sunday Night Football. With a stunning five-touchdown effort, Purdy not only led the 49ers to a dramatic victory but also set the stage for a pivotal Week 18 NFC West showdown against the Seattle Seahawks with the top seed and home-field advantage on the line.
A Night to Remember in Santa Clara
From the opening kickoff at Levi’s Stadium, Purdy was in control. After seeing his first pass deflected for a pick-six, he responded with remarkable poise, tossing three touchdown passes and rushing for two more, completing 24 of 33 throws for 303 yards in the win. It was the second consecutive week Purdy was involved in five total offensive touchdowns, a remarkable feat that places him among the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league right now.
Purdy became the first quarterback in 49ers history to record a game with 300+ passing yards, three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores, a historic performance that doubled as a statement game in the NFC playoff race.
The Bears, who entered with an 11-5 record and control of the NFC North, mounted a fierce battle behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who finished with 330 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Chicago even took a late lead before Purdy and company reclaimed control in the final minutes.
The Game Flow
San Francisco struck back quickly after Chicago’s early defensive score, with Purdy connecting with fullback Kyle Juszczyk and later powering in a rushing touchdown as the 49ers raced out to a halftime lead. Behind another efficient night from running back Christian McCaffrey — who churned out a big ground performance — San Francisco’s offense stayed in rhythm despite early adversity.
The Bears, refusing to yield, answered with touchdowns from D’Andre Swift and key receptions by their own emerging playmakers. Chicago’s offense, known for its comeback ability, nearly pulled off another dramatic finish but fell just short as the 49ers sealed the victory in the closing minutes.
A Star in the Making
Purdy’s climb this season has been remarkable. After signing a five-year, $265 million extension in May 2025, he has quickly cemented himself as one of the league’s most effective quarterbacks. Since returning from injury in Week 11, Purdy ranks among the league leaders in advanced quarterback metrics, including passer rating and completion percentage over expectation, demonstrating both accuracy and playmaking ability.
His performance Sunday carried weight beyond mere statistics. It showcased mental toughness and leadership, rebounding from early miscues to dominate under pressure — traits playoff-ready teams covet. Head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Purdy’s resilience and clutch performance, calling him an “assassin” in the clutch for his ability to extend drives and make off-schedule plays.
What’s At Stake: Seahawks Next
With the Week 17 win, the 49ers improved to 12-4 and now control their own fate for the NFC’s top seed. That chance comes next week in a home duel against the Seattle Seahawks — a team that heads into the weekend as one of the NFC’s best and a formidable challenge. Both teams have secured playoff berths, but the division title and first-round bye remain within reach only for the victor in Week 18.
Seattle represents a stern test: under a strong defense and efficient offense, the Seahawks have remained consistent throughout the season and hold a narrow advantage in the standings. The looming 49ers-Seahawks matchup carries echoes of past divisional battles — contests that have often decided playoff positioning and, as history shows, can shift momentum dramatically in the postseason.
For San Francisco, clinching the top seed is more than symbolic. A home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs could be the difference between a deep postseason run and an earlier exit. Levi’s Stadium has become a fortress this season, and the 49ers want to make it last through January and beyond.
Bears Still a Threat
Despite the loss, Chicago’s season has been noteworthy. Clinching the NFC North for the first time since 2018, the Bears enter the playoffs with confidence and momentum, aided by their league-leading number of comeback victories.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams continues to thrive in high-pressure situations, showing poise and playmaking that belie his experience. For a Bears team hungry to make a deep postseason run, the narrow loss in prime time — against a seasoned veteran like Purdy — may serve as motivation rather than discouragement.
Postseason Outlook
Looking ahead, the NFC playoff picture is shaping up with intriguing possibilities. A 49ers win over the Seahawks next week would secure the top seed and potentially match them against a lower-seeded wild-card team, offering strategic advantages in subsequent rounds. For Seattle, a loss opens the door for Chicago to claim the one-seed, assuming the Bears take care of their Week 18 matchup.
San Francisco’s performance underscores a broader truth about the NFL: momentum matters. Teams that enter the postseason with confidence and rhythm often outperform expectations.
Purdy’s recent surge — highlighted by back-to-back monster games — positions the 49ers to be a formidable contender in January. That said, the Seahawks represent a clear defensive and offensive balance that could test San Francisco’s mettle come playoff time.
Final Thoughts
Brock Purdy’s performance Sunday night was more than a statistical triumph. It was a defining moment for the 49ers’ 2025 campaign — a statement that they remain contenders for the NFC’s top seed despite adversity. His ability to bounce back from an early turnover and orchestrate scoring drives reflects a quarterback ready for playoff football.
As the league heads into its final week of the regular season, all eyes will be on the NFC West. The winner of the 49ers-Seahawks showdown will not only take the division crown but also set the tone for the postseason, shaping narratives and legacies as the road to the Super Bowl begins in earnest.
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