The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL Week 17 Recap: 49ers win thriller over Bears, Eagles outlast Bills, Drake Maye dazzles, and more
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Dec 29, 2025 Week 17 delivered electrifying matchups, highlighted by the 49ers' thrilling win over the Bears. Brock Purdy showcased his skills, while Caleb Williams shined in his rookie debut. The Eagles edged out the Bills in a defensive battle, raising concerns about Buffalo's offense and Josh Allen's health. The Texans clinched a playoff spot with a stunning performance against the Chargers, who struggled with turnovers. Baltimore's ground game thrived, and the NFC South remains unpredictable, with chaos among the Bucs and Panthers.
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Shootout Hinges On Timely Stops
- The 49ers-Bears shootout showed first true defensive stop likely decided the game in the second half.
- Brock Purdy's mobility and Caleb Williams' arm talent made it a rare quarterback duel.
Manage Timeouts To Preserve Late-Game Options
- Use timeouts proactively when leading a late drive to preserve clock control for a potential comeback.
- Save multiple timeouts rather than burning them to set up a single play.
Purdy Unlocks Shanahan's Offense
- Brock Purdy's off-script plays unlock more of Kyle Shanahan's playbook than a purely pocket QB would.
- That combination with CMC and a reliable matchup receiver makes the Niners explosively dangerous.