Brees was 30-of-43 and took the Saints (8-2) 47 yards in six plays to set up the winning kick after San Francisco's Kasim Osgood hit Darren Sproles following a fair catch to give New Orleans a short field with 1:41 left. Marques Colston caught five passes for 80 yards for New Orleans.

Colin Kaepernick struggled for a second consecutive game, going 17-for-31 for 127 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for the 49ers (6-4), who were held under 200 total yards for the second straight week. Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis each caught touchdown passes for San Francisco.

New Orleans tight end Josh Hill hauled in a 3-yard touchdown pass — the first of his career — to cap a 97-yard drive and give the Saints a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter. Lance Moore's muffed punt set up Kaepernick's 11-yard TD pass to Boldin to tie it, and Phil Dawson booted a 55-yard field goal for a 10-7 San Francisco lead before Jed Collins' 1-yard run made it 14-10 New Orleans at the break.

The 49ers moved back in front on Kaepernick's 17-yard strike to Davis and added a 29-yard Dawson field goal before the offense stalled with consecutive three-and-outs and Hartley made kicks of 21, 42 and 31 yards to lift the Saints. The 49ers appeared to have forced a potential game-clinching turnover when Brooks sacked Brees and forced a fumble that fell into Patrick Willis' arms, but Brooks was whistled for his hit around Brees' neck and the Saints retained possession, leading to Hartley's game-tying 42-yard field goal.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Colston became the franchise's career leader in receiving yards and all-purpose yards. … Saints CB Jabari Greer (leg), 49ers CB Tarell Brown (ribs) and 49ers OL Mike Iupati (left knee) all left with injuries and did not return. … Brees' NFL-record streak of 21 consecutive home games with at least two touchdown passes came to an end.