The San Francisco 49ers made several moves last offseason, but signing backup quarterback Mac Jones is seen as one of the smartest by any team.

The Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers face off in a Week 17 game with significant NFC playoff implications for both teams. Chicago's defense must contain 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, a dual-threat who leads the NFL in touches.

On Monday Night Football, Purdy threw a career-high five touchdowns for 295 yards with just one interception, in what was arguably the best performance of his career. He also became the first quarterback in red and gold to throw five touchdowns in a regular-season game since the legendary Joe Montana.

Before discussing how the 49ers match up against the parade of flawed teams they may face along the way, I’m going to explain how, to the surprise of even the most optimistic Niners watchers, the team is surviving the Fred Warner and Nick Bosa injuries on defense — and why that unit has real upside to be better in January.

The Packers join the NFC East champion Eagles (10-5), the Bears (11-5), Seahawks (12-3), 49ers (11-4) and Rams (11-4). The Panthers (8-7) and Buccaneers (7-8) are battling for the final playoff spot in the NFC.

On defense, the 49ers enter Week 17 averaging 21.3 points per game (11th in the NFL), while the Bears are 19th at 23.6 points per game. The 49ers have the superior run defense; they rank 8th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, whereas the Bears are 27th.

John Lynch offered a candid assessment of Robert Saleh's future in San Francisco amid persistent head coaching rumors.

It's not how you start, it's how you finish. Nobody knows that better than the three hottest teams in the league right now. The Texans (seven straight), Jaguars (six straight) and 49ers (five in a row) have three of the longest win streaks in the league entering the stretch run.