The Los Angeles Rams emerged victorious in a gritty Thursday Night Football matchup, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 12-6 in a rain-soaked battle that saw neither team reach the end zone. The Rams, riding momentum from a high-scoring win over the Buffalo Bills just a week prior, showcased their resilience in a defensive clash to improve to 8-6 on the season.
With the win, the Rams have now won seven of their last nine games following a dismal 1-4 start. They sit just half a game behind division-leading Seattle, firmly in the hunt for the NFC West crown. The victory also marked the Rams’ first game without a touchdown since 2016, demonstrating their ability to adapt and win in different styles.
“This was about toughness and perseverance,” said Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. “It wasn’t pretty, but we found a way to get it done.”
Stafford, who finished 16-for-27 for 160 yards, came alive after halftime once the torrential downpour subsided. His 51-yard strike to Puka Nacua set up Joshua Karty’s go-ahead 27-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. Stafford then orchestrated a clock-draining drive late in the game, setting up Karty’s fourth and final field goal with just 18 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Rookie kicker Joshua Karty, who had struggled in recent weeks, redeemed himself with a perfect 4-for-4 performance. He delivered under pressure, nailing field goals from 23, 27, 38, and 22 yards, including the game-winner.
“This was huge for me and the team,” said Karty, who had missed four kicks in his previous five games. “I just focused on the process and trusted my preparation.”
For the San Francisco 49ers, the loss was another gut punch in a season full of missed opportunities. Now 5-8, the defending NFC champions’ playoff hopes are on life support.
San Francisco led 6-3 heading into the fourth quarter, but a combination of offensive struggles and costly mistakes doomed their chances. Brock Purdy, who went 14-for-31 for 142 yards, threw a critical interception in the end zone to Darious Williams late in the game, snuffing out a potential go-ahead drive.
This marked the fourth time this season that the 49ers have lost to a division rival after leading by at least three points in the fourth quarter, a dubious distinction last seen with the 2000 New England Patriots in Bill Belichick’s first season.
“It’s tough to swallow,” said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. “We had our opportunities and didn’t capitalize. That’s been the story of our season.”
The game was heavily impacted by the first-half downpour, with both offenses struggling mightily. The Rams didn’t record a first down until late in the second quarter, while the 49ers managed just three points off three first-half possessions. By halftime, the teams had combined for 11 punts, nine first downs, and a mere 197 yards of offense.
Although the rain subsided in the second half, the offensive woes continued. The defenses dominated, and special teams took center stage, with Karty’s steady leg proving to be the difference.
The Rams will look to keep their playoff push alive with a visit to the New York Jets on Dec. 22. Meanwhile, the 49ers face a daunting task as they head to Miami to take on the Dolphins on the same date.
As the NFC West race tightens, the Rams are peaking at the right time, while the 49ers are left searching for answers in a season that has slipped away.
