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Both the Bears and 49ers are already locked into postseason berths. Where will they start their playoff exploits?

That remains up in the air.

Both sides represent the cream of the crop in their respective divisions, with Chicago climbing to the top of the NFC North amid a torrent of Caleb Williams touchdown passes and interceptions by Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright and Terrell Edmunds. The Bears’ most recent feat saw them rally to beat the Packers at Soldier Field in overtime. They’re one win away from a divisional crown, their first since 2018.

STREAM: Watch Bears vs. 49ers LIVE with Peacock

San Francisco, meanwhile, finds itself in the hunt for the NFC West title. Kyle Shanahan’s side could be peaking at the right time — Brock Purdy is fresh off a five-touchdown day against the Colts, by far his best display of the regular season. A win against an upstart Chicago side would go a long way toward cementing San Francisco’s place as one of the conference’s truest contenders just weeks before the postseason kicks off.

The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Sunday night’s matchup between Chicago and San Francisco. Follow below for highlights, live results and more from a clash of two of the NFC’s best prizefighters.

Bears vs. 49ers score

 

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

Bears vs. 49ers live updates, highlights from Sunday Night Football

(All times Eastern)

End of second quarter: 49ers 28, Bears 21

9:43 p.m.: For awareness of just how crazy this scoreline is, no sides have scored more in the first half of a game this season than the Bears and 49ers, per Sportsnet. Let’s hope the fireworks continue in the second.

9:35 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! San Francisco couldn’t help but find pay dirt again. Purdy trots into the end zone for the second time today. What a performance from the Iowa State alum!

Purdy’s second rushing TD of the half!

CHIvsSF on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/2mquifVQ5L

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2025

40ers 28, Bears 21

9:30 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Chicago responds…again. Williams finds Colston Loveland to level the score at 21 apiece.

Caleb fires a 36-yard TD to Colston Loveland on the free play!

CHIvsSF on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/kCSOT97O0I

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2025

49ers 21, Bears 21

9:20 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The scores keep flowing! San Francisco pushes its advantage back to seven after Christian McCaffrey traipses in from five yards out!

CMC touchdown and the @49ers retake the lead.

CHIvsSF on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/poUbFDFIlp

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2025

49ers 21, Bears 14

End of first quarter: Bears 14, 49ers 14

9:10 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The Bears return fire, finding pay dirt with 35-yard pitch-and-catch between Caleb Williams and Luther Burden III.

CALEB TO LUTHER BURDEN III.

CHIvsSF on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/6u5uwTe724

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2025

49ers 14, Bears 14

9:00 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The 49ers take the lead courtesy of another Purdy score — this time with his legs!

49ers 14, Bears 7

8:40 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The Niners strike back, with Purdy finding target Jake Tonges in the end zone! We’re level at Levi’s Stadium!

Purdy responds with a TD to Tonges!

CHIvsSF on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/4K3uGEy7b6

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2025

Bears 7, 49ers 7

8:25 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! On the first play of the game, Jaylon Johnson deflects Brock Purdy’s pass! It lands in T.J. Edwards’ hands, who proceeds to take it the distance to open the scoring! What a start!

BEARS PICK-6 ON THE FIRST PLAY.

CHIvsSF on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/wbOu4NFC8m

— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2025

Bears 7, 49ers 0

8:20 p.m.: And we’re off! The Niners start with possession of the ball.

7:30 p.m.: Here’s a look at both sides’ inactive lists ahead of tonight’s contest. D.J. Moore is good to go for Chicago while George Kittle misses out for the Niners.

WR DJ Moore and RT Darnell Wright are officially ACTIVE.

CB Dallis Flowers, elevated from the practice squad yesterday, is INACTIVE as well. pic.twitter.com/J49BoqaJGo

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) December 28, 2025

#49ers inactives:

TE George Kittle (ankle)
CB Renardo Green (neck)
RB Isaac Guerendo
WR Jordan Watkins
DT Kevin Givens
DE Robert Beal Jr.
LB Curtis Robinson

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) December 28, 2025

MORE WEEK 17 NEWS:

Where to watch Bears vs. 49ers Bears vs. 49ers start timeDate: Sunday, Dec. 28Time: 8:20 p.m. ET 

Chicago and San Francisco’s “Sunday Night Football” clash will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, where the 49ers are 4-2 this season. 

What channel is Bears vs. 49ers on today?TV Channel: NBCLive stream: Peacock

Sunday’s matchup between the Bears and 49ers will be aired on NBC nationally. Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call, while Melissa Stark will offer musings from the sideline.

Cord-cutters can find the action on Peacock. 

NFL Week 17 schedule Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day)DateGameTime (ET)BroadcastThu, Dec. 25Cowboys at Commanders1:00 p.m.NetflixThu, Dec. 25Lions at Vikings4:30 p.m.NetflixThu, Dec. 25Broncos at Chiefs8:15 p.m.Prime VideoSaturday, December 27DateGameTime (ET)BroadcastSat, Dec. 27Texans at Chargers4:30 p.m.NFL NetworkSat, Dec. 27Ravens at Packers8:00 p.m.Peacock (Exclusive)Sunday, December 28DateGameTime (ET)BroadcastSun, Dec. 28Buccaneers at Dolphins1:00 p.m.FOXSun, Dec. 28Steelers at Browns1:00 p.m.CBSSun, Dec. 28Cardinals at Bengals1:00 p.m.FOXSun, Dec. 28Jaguars at Colts1:00 p.m.FOXSun, Dec. 28Seahawks at Panthers1:00 p.m.CBSSun, Dec. 28Patriots at Jets1:00 p.m.FOXSun, Dec. 28Saints at Titans1:00 p.m.CBSSun, Dec. 28Giants at Raiders4:05 p.m.CBSSun, Dec. 28Eagles at Bills4:25 p.m.FOXSun, Dec. 28Bears at 49ers8:20 p.m.NBC/PeacockMonday, December 29DateGameTime (ET)BroadcastMon, Dec. 29Rams at Falcons8:15 p.m.ESPNRelated Links