Christian McCaffrey scored twice as San Francisco held off a fourth-quarter push from Jayden Daniels and Washington, winning 23-17.
The San Francisco 49ers survived a late scare on Monday night, beating the Washington Commanders 23-17 to stay perfect at 6-0, the best record in the league. It looked comfortable for most of the night. Brock Purdy found George Kittle for a touchdown in the first quarter, and San Francisco led 20-3 at halftime after Purdy went 17-of-22 for 214 yards and a score while McCaffrey piled up 82 yards and two touchdowns on 16 touches.
Washington had chances early, driving into San Francisco territory twice in the first half without points, and got on the board with a 51-yard field goal from Drew Stevens. But the Commanders offense never found rhythm against a 49ers defense that dominated for three quarters.
Jayden Daniels led a second-half fightback that cut into the lead and made things tense, especially after Mike Evans, who had three catches for 94 yards while battling Achilles soreness, left the game with an injury that seemed to throw off San Francisco's rhythm. A clutch defensive stand in the fourth quarter was enough to shut the door.
San Francisco wasn't flawless, with a missed extra point, a McCaffrey fumble and a couple of untimely penalties, but it was enough. Washington falls to 1-4-1 on the season.