The Los Angeles Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers 26-23 in a closely contested Thursday Night Football game, behind a strong performance from quarterback Matthew Stafford and a late-game defensive stand. The Rams, who improved to 5-3 on the season, were able to overcome a strong effort from the 49ers, who fell to 3-5.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading blows throughout the first half. The Rams took an early lead on a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Darrell Henderson, but the 49ers responded with a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to tight end George Kittle. The Rams regained the lead on a 25-yard field goal by kicker Matt Gay, but the 49ers tied the game on a 37-yard field goal by kicker Robbie Gould just before halftime.
In the second half, the Rams took control of the game behind a strong performance from Stafford, who completed 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown. The Rams took a 23-17 lead on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stafford to wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and then added a 40-yard field goal by Gay to extend their lead to 26-17.
The 49ers refused to give up, however, and responded with a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Elijah Mitchell to cut the Rams’ lead to 26-23 with just over 2 minutes remaining. The 49ers then recovered an onside kick, but were unable to convert a fourth-and-10 from their own 25-yard line, turning the ball over to the Rams with just over 1 minute remaining.
The Rams were able to run out the clock, securing the win and improving to 5-3 on the season. The 49ers, meanwhile, fell to 3-5 and are now in danger of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Stafford was the star of the game, completing 22 of 30 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown. He also added 17 yards rushing on 4 carries. Kupp had a big game as well, hauling in 8 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown. The Rams’ defense was also strong, holding the 49ers to just 323 total yards and forcing 2 turnovers.
For the 49ers, Garoppolo completed 22 of 33 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown, but was also intercepted once. Kittle had a strong game, hauling in 7 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers’ defense was able to hold the Rams to just 334 total yards, but was unable to come up with a stop when it mattered most.
The win was a big one for the Rams, who are now in a tie for first place in the NFC West with the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers, meanwhile, will look to regroup and try to get back on track next week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
