Christian McCaffrey kept finding the one yard that mattered most. The San Francisco 49ers running back scored twice from the 1-yard line Monday night, helping the 49ers hold off Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders, 23-17, at Levi’s Stadium. San Francisco entered at 5-0 chasing an undefeated start, while Washington arrived at 1-3-1 trying to turn its fast, creative offense into a needed road win.

Brock Purdy and the 49ers came out flying. On the opening drive, Purdy hit Mike Evans for 24 yards, then fed McCaffrey with short passes and runs. George Kittle finished the march with an 11-yard touchdown catch for a 7-0 lead. Washington answered quickly when Daniels found Terry McLaurin for 27 yards, setting up Drew Stevens’ 51-yard field goal.

But San Francisco’s offense kept shifting gears. Evans blasted free for a 54-yard catch, and McCaffrey powered in from the 1 to make it 13-3 after the extra point missed. Purdy used his legs to help the next major drive, and McCaffrey’s 1-yard touchdown with 13 seconds left in the half gave the 49ers a 20-3 lead.

Washington had a huge opening in the second quarter when linebacker Frankie Luvu forced McCaffrey to fumble at the Commanders’ 19-yard line. Yet San Francisco’s defense forced a punt, keeping the game from changing. That stand mattered because Washington had only 53 rushing yards all night. Daniels had to throw often, and the 49ers’ pass rush brought him down four times.

Kittle helped put San Francisco back in control after halftime with a 35-yard catch that set up Eddy Pineiro’s 33-yard field goal. The 23-3 score looked safe, but Daniels refused to let Washington fade. He led a long third-quarter drive with Chig Okonkwo making key catches, then found Stefon Diggs for a 1-yard touchdown.

The fourth quarter became a chase. Daniels completed a 23-yard pass to Antonio Williams and drew a roughing-the-passer penalty before tossing a 9-yard touchdown to Rachaad White. Suddenly, Washington trailed only 23-17 with 9:22 left.

Purdy could not add another score, and Daniels got one last chance. He connected with Treylon Burks for 30 yards and later hit Williams for 17 more, bringing Washington to the San Francisco 28. But an intentional-grounding penalty and a final sack ended the comeback attempt. Daniels threw for 300 yards and two scores, while Okonkwo caught seven passes for 69 yards, but Washington could not finish its last drive.

Purdy passed for 264 yards, Kittle caught five passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, and McCaffrey piled up 117 yards from scrimmage despite the lost fumble. The 49ers are now 6-0 and head next to the Atlanta Falcons with their unbeaten story still growing. Washington falls to 1-4-1 and heads to face the Philadelphia Eagles, carrying proof that its offense can fight back but still needs one final answer when the game is on the line.

Christian McCaffrey’s Goal-Line Runs Carry 49ers to 6-0 Start