Bears vs. 49ers live score, updates, highlights from NFL Sunday Night Football game

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Bears vs. 49ers score
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Both the Bears and 49ers are already locked into postseason berths. Where will they start their playoff exploits?

That remains up in the air.

Both sides represent the cream of the crop in their respective divisions, with Chicago climbing to the top of the NFC North amid a torrent of Caleb Williams touchdown passes and interceptions by Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright and Terrell Edmunds. The Bears’ most recent feat saw them rally to beat the Packers at Soldier Field in overtime. They’re one win away from a divisional crown, their first since 2018.

STREAM: Watch Bears vs. 49ers LIVE with Peacock

San Francisco, meanwhile, finds itself in the hunt for the NFC West title. Kyle Shanahan’s side could be peaking at the right time – Brock Purdy is fresh off a five-touchdown day against the Colts, by far his best display of the regular season. A win against an upstart Chicago side would go a long way toward cementing San Francisco’s place as one of the conference’s truest contenders just weeks before the postseason kicks off.

The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Sunday night’s matchup between Chicago and San Francisco. Follow below for highlights, live results and more from a clash of two of the NFC’s best prizefighters.

Bears vs. 49ers score

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Bears vs. 49ers live updates, highlights from Sunday Night Football

(All times Eastern)

10:45 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! After notching a crucial fourth-down conversion before the end of the third, the Bears punch it in once more! Swift found a gap then found euphoria, dashing into the promised land from 20 yards out.

49ers 35, Bears 35

End of third quarter: 49ers 35, Bears 28

10:30 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! San Francisco adds another! Purdy slips through detection before firing an arrow to Kyle Jusczyzyk for the touchdown!

49ers 35, Bears 28

10:18 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! After climbing inside the five, Chicago punches it in, with D’Andre Swift taking the edge before slipping into the end zone from short range. Tie game! We wouldn’t have it any other way.

49ers 28, Bears 28

10:17 p.m.: Wondrous display by Burden so far, who is up to 67 yards on four catches. He’s making a difference in Rome Odunze’s absence.

10:11 p.m.: We’re back to life from Levi’s Stadium. The Bears start the second half with the rock. Let’s see if they can knot the game up and keep the back-and-forth nature of this matchup alive.

End of second quarter: 49ers 28, Bears 21

9:43 p.m.: For awareness of just how crazy this scoreline is, no sides have scored more in the first half of a game this season than the Bears and 49ers, per Sportsnet. Let’s hope the fireworks continue in the second.

9:35 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! San Francisco couldn’t help but find pay dirt again. Purdy trots into the end zone for the second time today. What a performance from the Iowa State alum!

40ers 28, Bears 21

9:30 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! Chicago responds…again. Williams finds Colston Loveland to level the score at 21 apiece.

49ers 21, Bears 21

9:20 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The scores keep flowing! San Francisco pushes its advantage back to seven after Christian McCaffrey traipses in from five yards out!

49ers 21, Bears 14

End of first quarter: Bears 14, 49ers 14

9:10 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The Bears return fire, finding pay dirt with 35-yard pitch-and-catch between Caleb Williams and Luther Burden III.

49ers 14, Bears 14

9:00 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The 49ers take the lead courtesy of another Purdy score – this time with his legs!

49ers 14, Bears 7

8:40 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! The Niners strike back, with Purdy finding target Jake Tonges in the end zone! We’re level at Levi’s Stadium!

Bears 7, 49ers 7

8:25 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN! On the first play of the game, Jaylon Johnson deflects Brock Purdy’s pass! It lands in T.J. Edwards’ hands, who proceeds to take it the distance to open the scoring! What a start!

Bears 7, 49ers 0

8:20 p.m.: And we’re off! The Niners start with possession of the ball.

7:30 p.m.: Here’s a look at both sides’ inactive lists ahead of tonight’s contest. D.J. Moore is good to go for Chicago while George Kittle misses out for the Niners.

MORE WEEK 17 NEWS:

Updated AFC, NFC standings in NFL playoff picture for Week 17
How Giants-Raiders Week 17 matchup likely decides No. 1 overall pick
Texans, Packers among latest teams to clinch spot in NFL postseason

Where to watch Bears vs. 49ers

Bears vs. 49ers start time

Date: Sunday, Dec. 28
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET

Chicago and San Francisco’s “Sunday Night Football” clash will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET. The game will be played at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, where the 49ers are 4-2 this season.

What channel is Bears vs. 49ers on today?

TV Channel: NBC
Live stream: Peacock

Sunday’s matchup between the Bears and 49ers will be aired on NBC nationally. Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will be on the call, while Melissa Stark will offer musings from the sideline.

Cord-cutters can find the action on Peacock.

NFL Week 17 schedule

Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day)

Date	Game	Time (ET)	Broadcast
Thu, Dec. 25	Cowboys at Commanders	1:00 p.m.	Netflix
Thu, Dec. 25	Lions at Vikings	4:30 p.m.	Netflix
Thu, Dec. 25	Broncos at Chiefs	8:15 p.m.	Prime Video

Saturday, December 27

Date	Game	Time (ET)	Broadcast
Sat, Dec. 27	Texans at Chargers	4:30 p.m.	NFL Network
Sat, Dec. 27	Ravens at Packers	8:00 p.m.	Peacock (Exclusive)

Sunday, December 28

Date	Game	Time (ET)	Broadcast
Sun, Dec. 28	Buccaneers at Dolphins	1:00 p.m.	FOX
Sun, Dec. 28	Steelers at Browns	1:00 p.m.	CBS
Sun, Dec. 28	Cardinals at Bengals	1:00 p.m.	FOX
Sun, Dec. 28	Jaguars at Colts	1:00 p.m.	FOX
Sun, Dec. 28	Seahawks at Panthers	1:00 p.m.	CBS
Sun, Dec. 28	Patriots at Jets	1:00 p.m.	FOX
Sun, Dec. 28	Saints at Titans	1:00 p.m.	CBS
Sun, Dec. 28	Giants at Raiders	4:05 p.m.	CBS
Sun, Dec. 28	Eagles at Bills	4:25 p.m.	FOX
Sun, Dec. 28	Bears at 49ers	8:20 p.m.	NBC/Peacock

Monday, December 29

Date	Game	Time (ET)	Broadcast
Mon, Dec. 29	Rams at Falcons	8:15 p.m.	ESPN