‘Sunday Night Football’ Betting: Why San Francisco Hits, CMC Leads DFS Picks
December 28, 2025, 10:55 am ETS Sunday’s Week 17 schedule concludes with the Chicago Bears visiting the San Francisco 49ers on “Sunday Night Football.” The Bears have won consecutive games and clinched the NFC North by virtue of Saturday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers. The 49ers have won five straight and also clinched a playoff spot.Editor’s Picks1 RelatedBoth teams will look to improve their playoff positioning, with the Bears already guaranteed a home game.The 49ers are 3.5-point favorites heading into Sunday night.Matt Bowen, Liz Loza and Pamela Maldonado offer their picks, prop bets, daily fantasy sports games and analysis to help you bet on the game.Note: Odds by DraftKings and subject change.Jump to:Picks | Props | DFS Tips | TrendsGame betTotal points OVER 51.5 (-112)Maldonado: This matchup screams efficiency plus volume. Both offenses rank in the top three in plays per game and explosive plays, while both defenses struggle to generate pressure, which creates clean passes, extended drives and red zone opportunities. The Bears’ frantic success keeps them alive, and San Francisco’s passing efficiency finishes drives. A one-score script can also invite late scoring.Week 17 PicksNotable Player Props, betsplay1:47Bell: McCaffrey is ‘ridiculously consistent’ in fantasyStephania Bell breaks down Christian McCaffrey’s fantasy value after an impressive Week 16.Brock Purdy OVER 253.5 passing yards (-113)Bowen: Purdy has thrown for 295 yards in back-to-back games, and Kyle Shanahan will have answers to the Bears’ zone coverages. Set throws, plus catch-and-run concepts here.Passing PropsBrock Purdy OVER 11.5 rushing yards (-115)Loza: Purdy may not be considered a mobile QB, but he has recorded at least 11 rushing yards in five of seven games this season. Meanwhile, the Bears’ defense allowed the second-most rushing yards to opposing QBs. The 49ers signal-caller is expected to break loose for more than 14 rushing yards (his season average) on Sunday night. Running PropsGetting Props Daily Fantasy Tips for DraftKings Captain Showdownplay1:53Why George Kittle Ranks First Among TEs in Week 17Daniel Dopp and Stephania Bell break down George Kittle’s fantasy performance and injury status in Week 16 before Week 17. Bowen’s RecommendationsCaptain (scores 1.5x fantasy points): Christian McCaffrey ($ 17,700). Let’s look at the run game matchup against Chicago’s defense, plus the constant dual-threat volume with McCaffrey in Shanahan’s offense. McCaffrey has seen at least 23 touches in four consecutive games, with four or more receptions in three. Also in my lineup: Colston Loveland ($4,800). Loveland is a lower-tier flex in the lineup that could offer really good value. Loveland has seen at least five targets in five consecutive games, with a touchdown in two. And coach Ben Johnson could set up Loveland as a boundary receiver to create matchups against the 49ers’ secondary. Loza Recommendations Captain (scores 1.5x fantasy points): Caleb Williams ($15,000) has surpassed 200 passing yards in his last two games and has thrown six TDs in his last three. He is also QB8 in total rushing yards (averaging over 24 per game). In what is projected to be a tight, high-scoring contest, Williams is expected to post top-10 primetime fantasy positional numbers. All in one place. Watch your favorite events on the newly improved ESPN app. Learn more about which plan is right for you. Sign up now Also in my lineup: Jauan Jennings ($12,900) has made money in the red zone of the field, drawing nine red zone targets (T-WR7) and recording five scores (T-WR1) since Purdy returned from injury in Week 11. With Ricky Pearsall still injured and George Kittle dealing with an ankle issue, Jennings expects to have a big night against the Bears’ secondary. (scores 1.5x fantasy points): Christian McCaffrey ($17,700) has the highest gross ceiling here. The Bears allow 4.8 yards per carry to RBs (28th). With Kittle’s status uncertain, McCaffrey’s role expands anyway: more rushing efficiency if Kittle plays, or greater target share if he doesn’t play. Also in my lineup: Caleb Williams ($10,000) benefits from the cleanest pocket matchup he’s ever seen. San Francisco is 30th in pressure rate and last in sack rate. Williams’ efficiency increases dramatically when kept clean, giving him equity in passes and runs in a potential back-and-forth script. Betting Trends Courtesy of ESPN Research The 49ers have covered five straight as favorites entering the SNF.
Published: 2025-12-28 16:07:00
source: www.espn.com
