Week 17's edition of "Sunday Night Football" is between two Super Bowl contenders at the future site of Super Bowl LX, Levi's Stadium. Both the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers will be vying for a return to Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2026, but first, have a pivotal test in primetime.
The Bears arrive in the Bay Area fresh off a 22-16 overtime comeback victory against the rival Green Bay Packers. That thrilling win secured their playoff berth and positions them to seize the NFC North title.
The quarterback battle itself is a fascinating. Chicago is led by Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, while the 49ers counter with Brock Purdy, famously selected as the last pick ("Mr. Irrelevant") of the 2022 NFL Draft. Williams is playing the best football of his career, supported by a defense that leads the league with a +21 turnover differential, making Chicago a true contender.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have also clinched a playoff spot, but are facing a higher level of urgency in the packed NFC West and NFC wild card race. The 49ers currently trail the Seattle Seahawks (12-3) and Los Angeles Rams (11-4) in the division, meaning they are fighting for a wild card spot and the chance to host a home playoff game. San Francisco's final two games -- against the Bears and a season-ending rematch with Seattle -- will dictate whether they have to travel for the entire postseason or if they can leapfrog their division rivals.
Sunday's matchup in the Bay Area will surely be one between two NFC contenders with high-level quarterbacks and elite defenses. Here's how to tune in.
What channel is Bears vs. 49ers on today?
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock
"Sunday Night Football" in Week 17 is broadcast on NBC. Mike Tirico will serve as the play-by-play analyst with Cris Collinsworth as the color commentator. Melissa Stark will be on the sidelines.
Those looking to stream can on Peacock. Peacock’s sports programming features live coverage of NFL Sunday Night Football, the NBA, Olympic and Paralympic Games, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, Big East and Big 12 basketball, Premier League soccer, golf, and more.
Bears vs. 49ers start time
- Date: Sunday, December 28
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET | 7:20 p.m. CT
The Bears and 49ers will kick off at 8:20 p.m. At the site of Super Bowl LX, Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Bears vs. 49ers radio coverage
- Radio station: SiriusXM channels 225 (49ers), 226 (Bears)
The game can be listened to nationally on SiriusXM. Channel 225 will provide the 49ers broadcast while 226 will be the Bears.
New customers can often get their first month of SiriusXM for free. Listen to every NFL game live, plus college football, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, and more.Stay updated with all the news and analysis from SiriusXM NFL Radio and other sport-specific channels.
Bears remaining schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time (ET) |
| 18 | Jan. 4 | vs. Lions | TBD |
49ers remaining schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time (ET) |
| 18 | Jan. 4 | vs. Seahawks | TBD |