In a thrilling matchup on Sunday, Matthew Stafford threw four touchdown passes, leading the Los Angeles Rams to a 42-26 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, California. This win allowed the Rams to avenge one of their earlier losses this season.
With this performance, Stafford completed 24 of 36 passes, accumulating 280 yards and extending his NFL-leading touchdown total to 25. Over the last three games, he has thrown at least four touchdowns, totaling 13 during this span. Kyren Williams also had an impressive game, scoring two rushing touchdowns.
Among the notable receivers, Davante Adams caught six passes for 77 yards before exiting the game in the fourth quarter due to a back injury. Puka Nacua contributed five receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side of the field, Mac Jones of the 49ers had a strong outing, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns with a 33-of-39 completion rate. George Kittle was a standout for San Francisco with nine receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown, while Christian McCaffrey added eight receptions for 66 yards.
The Rams started the game explosively, scoring touchdowns on their first three possessions and establishing a commanding 21-0 lead. Williams” 2-yard touchdown run opened the scoring with 10:14 left in the first quarter. Stafford then connected with Nacua for a 22-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 4-yard touchdown catch from tight end Davis Allen just before halftime.
In the second quarter, the 49ers began to fight back, with Jauan Jennings catching a 6-yard touchdown pass. They narrowed the gap to 21-14 after a 1-yard touchdown run by Brian Robinson Jr. midway through the third quarter. However, the Rams responded with a 2-yard touchdown catch by Adams, pushing their lead to 28-14.
San Francisco managed to get within one score again at 28-20 with a 9-yard touchdown pass to Luke Farrell, although a blocked extra point attempt by Jared Verse proved crucial. The Rams then surged ahead with a 7-yard touchdown run from Williams and a 16-yard touchdown reception by Colby Parkinson, making it 35-20 with just over ten minutes left. Kittle later caught a 13-yard touchdown pass for the 49ers, but it was not enough to close the gap.
This victory improved the Rams” record to 7-2, marking their fourth consecutive win, while the 49ers fell to 6-4, suffering their second loss in three games.
