Purdy Outlasts Williams: 49ers Secure Winner Take All Showdown with Seattle
The San Francisco 49ers entered Week 17 with their backs against the wall and the pressure of a primetime audience watching. In a game that lived up to its heavyweight billing, the 49ers outlasted the Chicago Bears in a 42-38 thriller on Sunday Night Football. The catalyst for the victory was none other than Brock Purdy, whose career high performance has officially turned the final week of the regular season into a de facto NFC championship preview.
With this win, the 49ers (12-4) have moved within striking distance of the NFC West crown. More importantly, they have set up a titanic Week 18 clash against the Seattle Seahawks (13-3). The stakes could not be higher: the winner of next Saturday’s game in Santa Clara will clinch the division title, the NFC’s No. 1 seed, a first round bye, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs including a potential path to a Super Bowl held at their own Levi’s Stadium.
A Career Night for "Primetime Purdy"
Brock Purdy has faced his share of critics, but his performance against a stout Bears defense silenced the skeptics. Purdy completed 25 of 34 attempts for 295 yards and a career high five passing touchdowns. He was surgical in the red zone, finding five different targets for scores, including a clutch 38 yard strike to Jauan Jennings that ultimately sealed the game.
Purdy’s ability to extend plays with his legs was also on full display, as he added 28 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, bringing his total to six scores on the night. His calm demeanor under pressure was essential, especially as he went blow for blow with Chicago's Caleb Williams in a game that featured 80 combined points and multiple lead changes.
Support from the Superstars
While Purdy steered the ship, he was supported by record breaking performances from his supporting cast. Christian McCaffrey continued his historic campaign, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the season and setting a new 49ers franchise record for the most receptions by a running back in a single year (96). McCaffrey finished the night with 181 total yards from scrimmage, serving as the ultimate safety valve for the offense.
On the defensive side, Brian Burns and rookie Abdul Carter provided just enough pressure to disrupt the Bears' final comeback attempt. Burns recorded 1.5 sacks, bringing his season total to 16.5 and cementing his status as one of the league's premier edge rushers. The defense’s ability to hold firm on the final play a desperation heave from Williams that fell short ensured the 49ers' playoff destiny remains in their own hands.
The Road to the No. 1 Seed
The win over Chicago was the final hurdle before the game the entire NFL world has been waiting for. The Seattle Seahawks, led by first year head coach Mike Macdonald, have been the surprise story of the NFC, riding a six game winning streak into the finale. Seattle currently holds the top spot in the conference, but because the 49ers won the first meeting between the two teams back in Week 1, a San Francisco victory on Saturday would give them the head to head tiebreaker and the division title.
For the 49ers, the advantage of the No. 1 seed is massive. With the Super Bowl scheduled to be played at Levi's Stadium in February 2026, the 49ers are fighting for the chance to play every single post season game on their home turf. Conversely, the loser of the Week 18 showdown will fall to a Wild Card spot (the No. 5 or No. 6 seed) and will be forced to start their playoff journey on the road against a division winner.
Looking Ahead to Saturday Night
The NFL has wasted no time in highlighting this rivalry, scheduling the 49ers Seahawks game for a special Saturday night broadcast on ABC and ESPN. The matchup pits Purdy’s high octane offense against a Seahawks defense that has not allowed a 100 yard rusher in 25 consecutive games.
"This is what you dream of," Purdy said in his post game interview. "To have everything on the line, at home, against a rival like Seattle it doesn’t get any better than that."
As the 49ers celebrate a hard fought win over Chicago, the focus shifts immediately to the Pacific Northwest. In a season of ups and downs, San Francisco has found its rhythm at exactly the right time, led by a quarterback who continues to prove that he is much more than a "game manager."