On Sunday, December 28, Levi’s Stadium will host a showdown that could set the stage for the 2026 playoffs, as the San Francisco 49ers face the Chicago Bears in Week 17 Sunday Night Football.
The 49ers, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, have finished the 2025 regular season with an 11-4 record, overcoming injuries to stay in control of the NFC West and the conference at large.
A victory over the Bears at home would give the 49ers a chance to secure the NFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round bye, provided they also win their final game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Meanwhile, the Bears, also 11-4, are on the brink of their first NFC North title since 2018, thanks to a dramatic comeback win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 16.
Head coach Ben Johnson, in his first year, has steered the Bears into a playoff berth, and the team now looks to improve its seeding after clinching a postseason spot.
The matchup is not only a clash of records but also a preview of the playoff atmosphere that will be felt at the Super Bowl LX site, where the 49ers will host the 2026 Super Bowl.
Brock Purdy, the former last pick in the draft, has quickly become a star quarterback for the 49ers, and fans are eager to see how his performance will influence the team’s final push.
The game is scheduled for Sunday, December 28, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with kickoff set for 8:20 p.m. ET.
Broadcasting duties will be handled by NBC and Peacock, featuring play-by-play by Mike Tirico, analyst Cris Collinsworth, and sideline reporter Melissa Stark.
The same trio will call every Sunday Night Football matchup throughout the 2025 season, as well as Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium.
Pregame coverage on NBC and Peacock begins at 7:00 p.m. ET with “Football Night in America,” where Maria Taylor, Jason Garrett, Chris Simms, Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison, Mike Florio, Devin McCourty, Matthew Berry and Jac Collinsworth provide analysis and preview.
Listeners can stream the game live via Peacock or NBC.com, and mobile fans have access through the Peacock mobile app on Apple and Android devices or the NBC mobile app.
The musical opening for Sunday Night Football is performed by a multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning singer, marking the 13th consecutive NFL season of the show.
The 49ers’ playoff aspirations hinge on maintaining their offensive rhythm, while the Bears aim to capitalize on their defensive strengths to secure the division crown.
Both teams have demonstrated resilience, with the 49ers overcoming injuries and the Bears showing determination after a Week 16 comeback.
The venue, Levi’s Stadium, will serve as the backdrop for a high-stakes game that could influence the playoff picture for the remainder of the season.
Fans tuning in will witness the strategic adjustments made by each coaching staff as they prepare for a game that carries significant postseason implications.
The 49ers’ head coach will focus on protecting Brock Purdy, while the Bears’ coaching staff will aim to disrupt the 49ers’ offensive flow.
Both franchises have earned the right to compete for a playoff spot, and the outcome will determine their positioning in the NFC standings.
The game also offers a glimpse into the atmosphere that will be felt at the Super Bowl LX venue, as teams play under the same lights and conditions.
With the 49ers’ record at 11-4, a win against the Bears would keep them in a strong position to secure the top seed in the NFC.
The Bears, also at 11-4, would solidify their claim to the NFC North title with a victory, further improving their playoff seeding.
Both teams will rely on their key players, with Brock Purdy expected to lead the 49ers’ offense and Caleb Williams steering the Bears’ offense.
The broadcast lineup on NBC and Peacock ensures that fans have access to comprehensive coverage, including pregame analysis and live commentary.
Pregame segments feature a wide range of analysts, providing insight into team strategies and player performance.
The streaming options via Peacock and NBC.com make it easy for viewers to follow the game from any location.
Mobile viewers can use the Peacock app on iOS and Android or the NBC app for real-time updates and live streaming.
The musical performance by the GRAMMY Award-winning singer adds a festive element to the pregame experience.
The 49ers and Bears will battle for a decisive win that could shape the rest of the NFC playoff race.
The game promises to be a showcase of talent, strategy, and the high stakes that define the final week of the regular season.
Both teams will also be preparing for the possibility of a playoff run, with the 49ers aiming for a first-round bye and the Bears hoping to secure a favorable seed.
The outcome will influence the matchups in the first round of the playoffs, affecting which teams face each other in the NFC.
Levi’s Stadium will once again host a game of national interest, drawing attention from fans across the country.
The broadcast team, including Tirico, Collinsworth, and Stark, will provide play-by-play commentary, analysis, and sideline reporting.
The game is set to deliver an exciting, high-energy matchup that will keep viewers engaged through the final seconds.
