SAN FRANCISCO quarterback Steve Young, back from his second concussion in three weeks, sparked the 49ers past Washington 19-16 in over time in a showdown of American football division leaders.
Young, who missed last week's game, completed 33 of 41 passes for 295 yards including 20 in a row at one point.
The 49ers drove 57 yards from the start of over time, led by Terry Kirby's 25 yard run, to set up the winning 38 yard field goal by Jeff Wilkins. "It was a tough ball game, but that drive was championship football," said Young. "We've played like that many times before. My hat goes off to everyone on this team. Our offence was decent but certainly not great. We just moved methodically down the field."
Young suffered his first concussion last month in a victory at Houston and the second in a 20-17 over time loss to Dallas two weeks ago. He has completed 129 of 195 passes for 1,414 yards and five touchdowns this year.
The victory kept San Francisco (9-3) on top of the National Conference Western Division, one game ahead of Carolina, who routed Houston 31-6.
The Redskins slid to 8-4 but stayed a game ahead of Philadelphia and reigning Super Bowl champions Dallas. Both those clubs lost chances to go level with Washington by losing on Sunday.
Four time NFL rushing champion Emmitt Smith was substituted in the third quarter of the Cowboys' 20-6 loss to the Giants at New York. Sherman Williams took his place.
Smith managed only 18 yards on 11 carries, his lowest total since a one carry game in 1993 during which he was injured, The Cowboys failed to score a touchdown for the second consecutive week, although they beat Green Bay with seven field goals last week. But they need to improve for a special home showdown with Washington on Thursday.
Receiver Michael Irvin figured Smith was getting an early rest for the pivotal showdown with the arch rival Redskins, who host Dallas next month in a rematch that will likely decide which club has a home field play off edge.
Arizona denied Philadelphia a chance to match Washington for the division lead with a 36-30 triumph. Denver improved to an NFL-best 11-1 by beating Minnesota 21-17. John Elway completed 27 of 36 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns, making his 31st successful fourth quarter rally to victory.
Other division leaders won as well. Buffalo blasted the New York Jets 35-10, although second place New England kept pace by beating Indianapolis 27-13.
Green Bay matched the 49ers at 9-3 with a 24-9 victory over St Louis. The Packers' three game division lead with four weeks to go in the season matches Denver's as the NFL's largest.
