The San Francisco 49ers survived a Tom Brady-led comeback by the New England Patriots to maintain their lead at the top of the NFC West.
Former Patriot Randy Moss gave the 49ers the lead against his former team with a touchdown in the first quarter, before a Delanie Walker touchdown and a field goal for each side saw San Francisco take a 17-3 lead at half-time.
Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree extended the 49ers' lead to 28 points in the third quarter.
Patriots quarterback Brady, who had thrown two interceptions early in the game, found his form to draw the scores level in the fourth, rushing a touchdown himself, as well as setting up Aaron Hernandez and two Danny Woodhead scores.
Crabtree added his second of the game to give the 49ers the advantage again, before a David Akers field goal left New England needing 10 points to force overtime in the final minutes of the game.
The loss means the Patriots drop to third in the AFC conference, having already won the AFC North.
The 49ers can win the NFC West if they beat divisional rivals the Seattle Seahawks next weekend.
Sian Cowper
