The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers are set to clash in a pivotal Week 17 showdown that could reshape the NFC playoff picture. With the Bears on the verge of clinching their first NFC North title since 2018 and the 49ers already locked into the playoffs while chasing the top seed, this primetime matchup at Levi's Stadium promises fireworks.
Bears vs 49ers Week 17 Predictions
Both teams bring explosive offenses to the table, with San Francisco averaging 25.9 points per game and Chicago right behind at 25.7. The key storyline revolves around a fascinating strength-versus-strength battle: the 49ers' methodical efficiency led by Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle against the Bears' opportunistic defense anchored by Montez Sweat.
What makes this game particularly intriguing is Chicago's league-leading +21 turnover differential, fueled by 21 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries. That ball-hawking defense will test a 49ers offense that's been prone to giveaways with a -5 turnover margin. Can San Francisco protect the ball long enough to secure home-field advantage, or will the Bears' defensive disruption and DJ Moore's big-play ability spoil the party in Santa Clara?
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Chicago Bears vs San Francisco 49ers Betting Information
Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025
Kickoff: 8:20 PM EST
Venue: Levi's Stadium — Santa Clara, CA
The betting lines reflect just how evenly matched these teams are, with the 49ers installed as modest home favorites in what projects to be a high-scoring affair.
- Moneyline: 49ers (-167) | Bears (+140)
- Spread: 49ers -3 (-115) | Bears +3 (-105)
- Total: Over/Under 52.5 (O -110 / U -110)
Betting odds courtesy MGM.
San Francisco enters as 3-point favorites, suggesting these teams would essentially be pick 'em on a neutral field. The hefty game total of 52.5 points indicates oddsmakers expect both high-powered offenses to find success, setting up what should be an entertaining back-and-forth battle.
Statistical Breakdown: Where Each Team Holds the Edge
The numbers reveal two teams that are remarkably similar on paper but achieve success in vastly different ways. Offensively, it's nearly a dead heat — the 49ers average 25.9 points per game while the Bears counter with 25.7. However, Chicago generates more total yards (371.5 per game) behind a powerful ground attack that churns out 152.1 rushing yards per contest.
Where San Francisco separates itself is efficiency in crucial moments. The 49ers convert an elite 50.0% of their third-down attempts compared to Chicago's respectable 42.6%. That's where stars like McCaffrey and Kittle become difference-makers, consistently moving the chains when it matters most.
The most glaring mismatch lies in ball security and takeaways. The Bears' defense is a turnover-generating machine with that incredible +21 differential, while the 49ers have struggled with a -5 margin. This poses a significant threat to San Francisco's rhythm-based offense, even coming off a dominant five-touchdown performance against Indianapolis where McCaffrey and Kittle both found the end zone.
Chicago's pass rush, which has accumulated 31.0 sacks this season with Sweat leading the charge, will look to disrupt the 49ers' timing. For the Bears, who just secured a thrilling victory thanks to Moore's late heroics, creating short fields through turnovers could be the key to pulling off the road upset.
Game Prediction: Bears Defense Creates Value in Primetime
While the 49ers rightfully enter as home favorites with playoff seeding on the line, this matchup screams classic upset alert. The three-point spread feels generous given the statistical mismatches that favor Chicago's opportunistic style.
San Francisco's methodical offense is undoubtedly talented, but their Achilles' heel remains ball security. For a team sporting a -5 turnover differential, facing the league's most opportunistic defense is a nightmare scenario. The Bears don't just create turnovers — they've built their entire identity around it with 21 interceptions and a knack for converting those extra possessions into points.
In what projects to be a one-score game decided by key plays, that turnover battle becomes paramount. Chicago has the perfect formula to keep this contest tight or steal it outright, especially with Moore's big-play ability stretching the field.
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Best Pick: Bears +3 (-105)
The most compelling player prop centers on the quarterback facing this ball-hawking secondary. With Chicago's defense generating 31.0 sacks while forcing those 21 interceptions, the pressure will mount on Brock Purdy throughout the night. Given the Bears' relentless pass rush and opportunistic secondary, the odds favor at least one turnover from the 49ers' signal-caller.
Best Prop: Brock Purdy Over 0.5 Interceptions Thrown (-161)