In the first half, Gore reeled off a 29-yard gain to put the Niners at the Broncos' 35. Smith tried to check down to Gore on the next snap but it went through his hands and right to Bailey, who took it 70 yards for the touchdown and a 13-0 lead.

The play might have helped Bailey's quest for Defensive Player of the Year — he led the league with 10 interceptions and 11 takeaways — but that would be of little consolation to the perennial Pro Bowl cornerback.

Tatum Bell topped 1,000 yards rushing but committed a costly fumble for the third time in December. He had a 15-yard reception on a screen pass but lost the ball and Harris came in and casually picked it up to hand to umpire Undrey Wash, apparently unaware like everybody else that he was picking up a live ball.

The call on the field was a catch, but Niners coach Mike Nolan challenged it and referee Larry Nemmers gave possession to San Francisco.

The Broncos also blew a chance to put the game away in the closing minutes of the first half.

Denver was ahead 13-0 when Smith fumbled at the Broncos' 20. Instead of falling on the ball, however, defensive end Kenard Lang tried to pick it up and run the other way. Instead, the ball bounced out of bounds and the Niners decided to kick the field goal on second down.

Nedney was good from 46 yards to pull San Francisco to 13-3 at halftime. Gullback Moran Norris's 32-yard TD catch cut the lead to 13-10.