NFL fans will be in for a treat during the penultimate ‘Sunday Night Football’ game of the 2025 regular season.
The San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Chicago Bears in a battle between two playoff teams that could help to decide who ends up earning the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC.
The Bears are fresh off a critical, come-from-behind Week 16 win over the Green Bay Packers that gave them control of the NFC North. Caleb Williams has continued to improve in his first season under Ben Johnson’s tutelage while the upgraded offensive line in front of him has coalesced nicely as the campaign has progressed.
Meanwhile, Kyle Shanahan once again has the 49ers poised to be contenders despite enduring a boatload of injuries during the 2025 NFL season. Brock Purdy has been on fire in five starts since returning from a six-week absence due to a toe injury – completing 70.2% of his passes for 1,151 yards, 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions – but will face a nice test against a Bears defense that entered Week 17 leading the NFL in interceptions with 21.
The 49ers are in need of a win to set up a potential winner-take-all battle against the Seattle Seahawks in what is currently a tight NFC North race.
The Bears will need a victory to stay in the running for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, so both teams have plenty to play for as the 2025 NFL regular season winds down.
USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the 49ers vs. Bears game.
What TV channel is the 49ers vs. Bears game?
TV channel: NBC
The Week 17 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears game will be broadcast by NBC on Sunday. Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (game analyst) and Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) will be on the call for the ‘Sunday Night Football’ contest.
What time is the Bears at 49ers game?
Start time: 8:20 p.m. ET
The 49ers vs. Bears game will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 28.
49ers vs. Bears live stream
Live stream: Peacock
Per usual, NBC will simulcast its ‘Sunday Night Football’ offering on Peacock, its proprietary streaming service. Cord-cutters can also catch the action on the NFL’s own streaming service, NFL+.
Watch ‘Sunday Night Football’ with Peacock
49ers vs. Bears prediction, picks
Here’s how the NFL experts at USA TODAY Sports believe the Week 17 matchup between the 49ers and Bears will shake out:
Jarrett Bell: 49ers, 26-24
Nick Brinkerhoff: 49ers, 28-24
Chris Bumbaca: 49ers, 29-25
Nate Davis: 49ers, 24-23
Tyler Dragon: Bears, 25-21
Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz: 49ers, 35-28
49ers vs. Bears odds, moneyline, O/U
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 6:15 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): 49ers -200 (Bet $200 to win $100) | Bears +165 (Bet $100 to win $165)
Against the spread (ATS): 49ers -3.5 (-105) | Bears +3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Is George Kittle playing today vs. Bears on Sunday night?
Kittle is considered ‘highly unlikely’ to play on ‘Sunday Night Football’ against the Chicago Bears, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He is expected to test his ankle before the team announces its inactives for tonight’s game.
49ers inactives today vs. Bears
TBA
Bears inactives today vs. 49ers
TBA
NFC West standings
The 49ers enter tonight’s game tied with the Rams in second place in the division. They are ahead by virtue of the division head-to-head record.
Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
Arizona Cardinals (3-13)
NFC North standings
The Bears have locked up the NFC North division title for the first time since 2018 after the Packers’ loss to the Ravens on Saturday in Week 17.
Chicago Bears (11-4)* NFC North winners
Green Bay Packers (9-6-1)
Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
Detroit Lions (8-8)
Bears remaining schedule
Week 17: at San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
Week 18: vs. Detroit Lions (8-8)
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