Redskins vs. 49ers: Live Score and Analysis for San Francisco

The San Francisco 49ers played host to the visiting Washington Redskins for a critical Week 12 matchup at Levi's Stadium.

San Francisco was coming off back-to-back road victories over the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, respectively. At 6-4, the 49ers hoped another win over Washington (3-7) will propel them back into the playoff picture. San Francisco entered the contest as the No. 7 seed in the NFC according to CBS Sports.

While their offense was inconsistent over their previous 10 games, the 49ers' defense was largely been the reason behind their recent success. Entering the contest, the unit ranked No. 4 in the NFL with 3,088 yards allowed.

The defense looked to maintain its high level of play—a level reinforced by the excellent efforts of rookie linebacker Chris Borland and recently reinstated linebacker Aldon Smith.

Smith and San Francisco's pass-rushers targeted Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III—a player whose starting status was called into question by Washington head coach Jay Gruden, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport (h/t Michael Hurcomb of CBS Sports).

The 49ers hoped to get their pass rush involved against a team that has allowed 28 sacks prior to Week 12.

San Francisco needed this victory considering its position in the NFC.

The 49ers got a 30-yard touchdown score on their opening possession, after Colin Kaepernick found wide receiver Anquan Boldin. But Washington answered back in the second quarter—a one-yard rushing touchdown from running back Alfred Morris that tied things up.

Yet Phil Dawson put through a late second-quarter field goal to put the 49ers back on top entering halftime. 

San Francisco's offense couldn't get it going to start the second half. It was Washington that scored first in the third quarter—a 27-yard field goal by kicker Kai Forbath. Another field goal put Washington in the lead in the fourth quarter.

Fortunately, the 49ers got a much-needed fourth-quarter touchdown from running back Carlos Hyde that put San Francisco on top in the waning minutes.

Washington began its final drive within two minutes, but defensive end Justin Smith forced a fumble from Griffin, which the 49ers subsequently recovered.

San Francisco moved to 7-3 after the victory.

FINAL: Redskins 13, 49ers 17

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.

Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.

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