Four days removed from their biggest win of the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Rams headed to Santa Clara for a big-time divisional matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football with massive playoff implications.
The 49ers entered the game battered with injuries, as they have been all season, but with the security that they have only been swept by the Rams for a full season once in the Sean McVay era. With the Rams already 1-0 against the 49ers this season, that gave the advantage to the home team.
But in an ugly 12-6 field goal battle in the Northern California rain, the Rams found a way to prevail to secure their second season sweep of the McVay era, their third consecutive victory on the year and highly increased postseason odds.
This was one of then more uneventful wins of the season — and arguably the McVay era — as the Rams’ first five possessions ended in punts as rain played a huge factor for both offenses in the first half. They gained a total of 51 yards on those five drives, with 38 coming on the fifth, a sign that the offense was starting to piece some things together.
L.A. finally got some good field position thanks to a Kobie Turner sack and a good punt return. They needed only 20 yards to get on the board with Joshua Karty’s first of four field goals.
The Rams trailed 6-3 with around eight minutes to go in the third quarter, and the 49ers never scored again. Karty hit three field goals once L.A. finally got some offensive movement, and an interception by Darious Williams and a game-ending sack by Christian Rozeboom were the big defensive plays.
Despite the lack of offense throughout the game, the Matthew Stafford to Puka Nacua connection remained as strong as ever. Seven of Stafford’s 16 completions were to Nacua and 97 of his 160 passing yards went that way as well.
Casual helmet catch by Puka Nacua.
(via @RamsNFL) pic.twitter.com/T4nKpL5w2M
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) December 13, 2024
Matthew Stafford deep ball to Puka Nacua!
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/tMzeldinlD
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) December 13, 2024
Huge interception by Darious Williams to preserve the #RamsHouse lead!
(via @RamsNFL) pic.twitter.com/Nlp3yJ9Ft9
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) December 13, 2024
Nothing like a game-sealing sack to sweep the 49ers. 👏#RamsHouse
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/4A7WUrM2vG
— Rams Newswire (@RamsNewswire) December 13, 2024
The Rams got the win and moved to 8-6 on the season, tying them in the win column atop the NFC West with the Seattle Seahawks. Where exactly L.A. winds up in the playoff picture after Week 15 is dependent on the Seahawks’ result against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night and the Washington Commanders result against the New Orleans Saints in the morning slate.
What’s Next for the Rams
The Rams now have a 10-day mini bye after a Thursday night battle, and it comes at a great time after two stellar victories against the Bills and 49ers. They return to the field on Sunday, Dec. 22 in East Rutherford, New Jersey against the New York Jets at 10 a.m. PT.
