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The 49ers' defense was strong once again and Alex Smith turned in one of the best statistical performances of his career as San Francisco blew out the Buffalo Bills, 45-3.
After a low-scoring first quarter, in which the 49ers led 3-0, San Francisco's offense kicked it into high gear. Alex Smith threw first half touchdown passes to Kyle Williams and Michael Crabtree to put the 49ers up 17-3. Smith would add another touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. He completed 18-of-24 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns. Smith also ran three times, racking up 49 yards on the ground.
While Smith had plenty of success throwing the ball, the 49ers offense also put up big yardage on the ground. Frank Gore finished with 106 yards and a touchdown while Kendall Hunter ran for 81 yards. San Francisco finished with 311 rushing yards to go along with 310 yards through the air. San Francisco totaled 621 total yards and 29 first downs.
The 49er defense was also strong, limiting Buffalo to 204 total yards and just 10 first downs. Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 16-of-26 passes for 126 yards. Outside of one long Brad Smith 35-yard rush, the Bills were limited to 54 rushing yards on 18 carries.
The win moved the 49ers to 4-1 and into a tie for first place in the NFC West. The Bills dropped to 2-3 and have now lost two straight games.
Fantasy studs and duds
Alex Smith had a huge game for the 49ers, throwing for 303 yards and three touchdowns. Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis each had big days with Crabtree catching six passes for 113 yards and a touchdown while Davis hauled in five passes for 106 yards. Frank Gore also went over 100 yards, finishing with 106 yards and a touchdown.
The Bills' offense struggled to get anything going. Fred Jackson ran for 29 yards on nine carries while C.J. Spiller finished with 24 yards. Steve Johnson caught six passes but finished with just 39 yards.
Injury report
Both teams were able to get through the game without any major injuries.
Did they cover?
The 49ers opened as 8-point favorites, a number they covered easily.
What's next?
10/14 4:25 p.m. ET: 49ers vs. New York Giants
10/14 4:05 p.m. ET: Bills at Arizona Cardinals