49ers gain ground in NFC West after rare road win in Cleveland

This seven-yard strike to wide receiver Jauan Jennings produced Purdy's lone TD pass of the game and effectively put the game out of reach early in the fourth quarter.

Defensively, San Francisco was sensational, aside from a 10-play, 90-yard drive from the Browns in the second quarter. Shedeur Sanders was held to just 16-of-25 for 149 yards and one TD in his second NFL start as Cleveland either punted, fumbled or turned it over on downs on all but one drive.

This is now the second consecutive game the 49ers have allowed fewer than 10 points after surrendering nine to the Panthers in Week 12, which is impressive if you consider the key injuries earlier this season.

49ers special teams continues remarkable turnaround

McCaffrey put the 49ers on the board with a one-yard TD in the opening quarter, but that was all set up by punt returner Skyy Moore's 66-yard return, which gave the San Francisco offense the ball inside the red zone.

Later on, cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. recovered Gage Larvadain's muffed punt, leading to Purdy's TD pass to Jennings and showing why the 49ers have the league's top-ranked special teams unit after ranking last one season ago.

While San Francisco split its regular-season meetings with the Rams, the NFC West just got a lot more interesting with Los Angeles getting stunned by Carolina. As the 49ers head into their late bye in Week 14, their 9-4 record has them firmly in the race for the NFC's top seed as well, leaving plenty up for grabs in the final month.

The three interceptions and inconsistency from Purdy since his return from a turf toe injury have held this offense back, but if he plays more like he did on Sunday, the 49ers may be worth keeping an eye on down the stretch, especially with a strong defense and special teams unit.