Under Primetime lights, QB Brock Purdy and co. have put on an eventful night. With the San Francisco 49ers holding a halftime lead on "Sunday Night Football" leading 28-21, Purdy's command and efficiency have set the tone in a score-for-score matchup loaded with playoff stakes. Against an 11-win Chicago Bears team known for late-game chaos, San Francisco leaned into control and trusted its quarterback to deliver it.
Primetime Purdy
Unbeaten in primetime entering Week 17, Purdy continued his recent surge with sharp decision-making and two rushing touchdowns of his own. End of half, Purdy logged three total touchdowns, 164 yards in the air, and 23 yards on the ground. Whether extending drives on third down or running the ball in himself, Purdy kept the offense on schedule and prevented the momentum swings Chicago thrives on. It's the same calm approach that has fueled this 49ers December surge.
McCaffrey Sets the Rhythm
That composure has been reinforced by RB Christian McCaffrey, who once again served as the offense's stabilizer. Through the first half, McCaffrey has 18 carries for 121 yards and one touchdown continuing a season in which he leads the NFL in touches. When the 49ers needed balance and pace, No. 23 delivered both.
Bears Built to Push Back
Despite the deficit, Chicago remains dangerous. The Bears entered the night with a league-leading six fourth-quarter comebacks and a defense capable of flipping games with takeaways. Quarterback Caleb Williams has shown all season that chaos suits him, making the second half anything but settled.
Halftime Outlook
With a lead in hand, San Francisco has positioned itself exactly where it wants to be: in control, composed, and dictating tempo. The 49ers are 4-0 in primetime, and they'll strive to stretch that to 5-0 in the next half ahead. The challenge now is sustaining that execution against a Bears team that has made a habit of turning pressure in a sub-2-minute game into opportunity.
