Grades for 49ers’ nail-biting win over Bears as defense bends, doesn’t break

The 49ers and Chicago Bears treated a revved-up crowd at Levi’s Stadium and a national television audience to quite a show.Behind the arm of Brock Purdy and the legs of Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers held on for a 42-38 victory on Sunday night.And the 49ers’ defense did just enough to keep the Bears out of the end zone on their final two drives of the game to secure the epic win.The 49ers (12-4) take a six-game win streak into a huge Week 18 game against the Seattle Seahawks. The winner earns the NFC West title and home-field advantage in the NFC.Here is the report card from the 49ers’ Week 17 victory against the Bears:Rushing offenseMcCaffrey and the 49ers’ run game carried over the momentum they built in Week 16 against the Indianapolis Colts.McCaffrey was phenomenal, as he rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown on 23 attempts. CMC-ya later pic.twitter.com/aBzjAT6faW — 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) December 29, 2025 The 49ers’ offensive line deserves much praise for opening lanes for McCaffrey and Brian Robinson, who added 22 yards on the ground.Purdy showed his scrambling ability with 28 yards and two touchdowns on the...