Particle.news
Download on the App Store

49ers Outlast Bears 42–38 in NFL-First Scoring Duel to Keep No. 1 Seed Within Reach

A last-snap goal-line stop preserved Brock Purdy’s five-touchdown showcase, setting up a Week 18 home decider for the NFC’s top seed.

Overview

  • The score was tied at 7-7, 14-14, 21-21, 28-28 and 35-35, a first for a regular-season game according to league tracking.
  • The offenses combined for 936 total yards and 11 touchdowns in a back-and-forth shootout.
  • Brock Purdy went 24-of-33 for 303 yards with three touchdown passes and two rushing scores, while Christian McCaffrey ran for 140 yards and a touchdown.
  • Chicago reached the San Francisco 2-yard line with four seconds remaining before Caleb Williams’ end-zone throw fell incomplete, and Bears coach Ben Johnson accepted blame for a late play-call miscommunication.
  • San Francisco is 12-4 and can clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed by beating Seattle at Levi’s Stadium in Week 18; Chicago is 11-5, NFC North champions, and can finish no higher than the No. 2 seed with Detroit up next.