San Francisco built a 23-3 lead before Washington nearly stole it back in the fourth quarter.
The 49ers improved to 6-0 on Monday night, but they had to sweat out the final play to beat the Commanders 23-17 at home. San Francisco dominated the first half, piling up 303 yards and 17 first downs on 41 plays while holding Washington to just 90 yards, two first downs and 17 plays. The 49ers led 20-3 at halftime and had stretched that to 23-3 with 18 seconds left in the third quarter, looking well in control.
Then the game flipped. Jayden Daniels threw two touchdown passes in the second half as the Commanders suddenly found their rhythm, outgaining San Francisco 224 to 72 over the final two quarters and pulling within six points. Washington got the ball back with a chance to complete the comeback, but the 49ers defense stopped them on a crucial play on one of the Commanders' late possessions to seal it.
The win keeps San Francisco perfect through six games, while Washington falls to 1-4-1 with another frustrating finish. The Commanders have now lost four of their last five, and the second-half surge will offer little comfort after squandering such a lopsided early deficit.