Saints...31 49ers...10

SAN FRANCISCO -- Drew Brees passed for 336 yards and connected with Marques Colston on three of his four touchdown throws in the New Orleans Saints’ 31-10 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

It was the third consecutive victory for the Saints (3-4) and the fifth consecutive loss for the 49ers (2-5).

Reggie Bush had 113 total yards for the Saints, who took a 24-point halftime lead with a steady effort on offense, including catches by nine receivers and four scoring drives longer than 72 yards. Brees was on target, completing 31 of 39 passes and avoiding any sacks for the fourth consecutive game. With the highest-scoring performance of Colston’s career and Bush’s multifaceted game, the Saints have rebounded from an 0-4 start to move within one game of the lead in the NFC South.

Alex Smith, back in the 49ers’ lineup after separating his right shoulder four weeks ago, was 22 for 43 for 190 yards.

Quoteworthy: “With the talent we have at receiver, you never know whose day it’s going to be.” -- Marques Colston, Saints wide receiver