The Redskins looked unstoppable after the previous week's pounding of the Rams, but San Francisco provided a reminder that playoff-caliber teams are not easy marks. Both teams could only mount lackluster offense in the first half, and Washington clung to 7-0 lead at halftime.

The Skins appeared to break the game open in the third quarter. A drive culminating in a Riggins TD and a bomb from Theismann to Brown gave Washington a 21-0 lead going into the final quarter. But Joe Montana was to prove why he would come to be known for comebacks. Three quick TDs tied the game at 21-21 and the crowd noise in RFK changed from a celebratory roar to a nervous buzz. Theismann and the offense took the field for the last drive of regulation and drove into San Francisco territory, although they were aided by a questionable pass interference call. Moseley hit a game winning 25 yard field goal, and the Redskins were going back to the Super Bowl.