Did the Bears win last night? No, the 49ers outlasted Chicago 42-38 with stunning final drive and incomplete pass at the 2-yard line

The 49ers outlasted the Bears 42-38 last night in a thrilling Sunday Night Football showdown at Levi’s Stadium. Brock Purdy led the charge with an incredible five-touchdown performance, while the Bears fell just short despite Caleb Williams throwing for 330 yards. The game came down to the final play, with the Bears needing just 2 yards from the end zone.

Did the Bears Win Last Night? A Heartbreaking Loss in Primetime

The Chicago Bears came up just short in one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2025 NFL season. Trailing by 4 points late in the fourth quarter, the Bears drove down the field looking to steal a win on Sunday Night Football at Levi’s Stadium. With just seconds remaining, Caleb Williams threw an incomplete pass from the 2-yard line, sealing a 42-38 defeat for Chicago.

The 49ers improved to 12-4 with the victory, keeping their playoff hopes alive and positioning themselves for the NFC’s top seed. The Bears fell to 11-5 despite the loss, already clinching the NFC North division title earlier in the season. This primetime matchup delivered the high-scoring shootout fans expected between two of the conference’s elite offenses.

Brock Purdy’s Historic Night Powers the 49ers to Victory

Brock Purdy put on one of the most dominant performances of the season, accounting for five total touchdowns to lead San Francisco to victory. The 49ers quarterback completed 24 of 33 passes for 303 yards while adding two rushing touchdowns on the ground. This marks the second consecutive week Purdy has recorded five touchdowns in a single game, establishing himself as one of the league’s hottest players heading into the final stretch.

Purdy’s most crucial touchdown came with 2:15 remaining in the fourth quarter, when he found Jauan Jennings on a 38-yard touchdown pass that gave San Francisco a crucial lead. The drive and touchdown proved to be the game-winner as San Francisco’s defense held firm on the final play. Purdy’s efficiency and clutch play under pressure have the 49ers offense operating at peak performance.

Christian McCaffrey Dominates as 49ers Running Game Controls Tempo

Player	Rushing Yards	Receiving Yards	Touchdowns
Christian McCaffrey (49ers)	140 yards	41 yards	1 TD
Caleb Williams (Bears)	18 rushing yards	330 passing yards	2 TDs

Christian McCaffrey was the focal point of the 49ers offense throughout the night, racking up 140 rushing yards on 23 carries plus an additional 41 receiving yards. The 49ers running back punched in one rushing touchdown and proved nearly unstoppable in short-yardage situations. McCaffrey’s performance showcased why San Francisco relies on strong ground game execution when games tighten up in the closing moments.

The Bears defense struggled to contain McCaffrey’s versatility, particularly on crucial third-down conversions. His ability to take snaps out of the backfield and move the chains kept the 49ers offense rolling throughout the evening. Levi’s Stadium erupted after each major McCaffrey run as San Francisco dominated time of possession.

Caleb Williams’ Impressive Performance Falls Short Despite 330 Passing Yards

Caleb Williams had one of his best performances of the season, completing 25 of 42 pass attempts for 330 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears quarterback showed the arm talent and poise that made him a top draft pick, connecting with receivers downfield and managing the game effectively. Luther Burden III and other Chicago receivers made crucial plays to keep drives alive throughout the evening.

Despite the impressive individual statistics, Williams and the Bears offense couldn’t overcome the defensive struggles and missed opportunities. The Chicago Bears defense let a multi-score lead slip away, with defensive players later acknowledging they disappointed the offense after the game. Williams led a final drive that stalled just 2 yards short of the end zone, falling agonizingly close to a Sunday Night Football comeback victory.

What Does This Loss Mean for the Bears and NFC Playoff Picture?

The 42-38 loss eliminated the Chicago Bears from contention for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, despite their 11-5 record and division title. With the loss, the Bears remain the No. 2 seed in the NFC East, and their path to the top seed now requires help from other teams. The 49ers improved to 12-4 and control their own destiny heading into Week 18, where they face the Seattle Seahawks with the NFC’s top seed on the line.

The Sunday Night Football thriller highlighted the difference between the two teams in crunch time. San Francisco’s balanced offense and red-zone efficiency proved decisive when the game was on the line. For Chicago, the loss stings given how competitive they remained despite trailing scoring battles throughout the evening.

Sources

• ESPN – Game recap, box scores, and player statistics
• Chicago Bears Official Website – Team-issued game recap and statements
• NFL.com – Official scoring and play-by-play information