49ers vs Los Angeles Rams Match Player Stats 2025: OT Decision

Few rivalries in the NFC West deliver the drama that the 49ers and Rams bring on a Thursday night. When these two teams met in October 2025, the game went to overtime, and the 49ers walked away with a 26-23 win after a critical fourth-down stop.

Final Score (Oct 2, 2025): 49ers 26, Rams 23 (OT) ·
Final Score (Nov 9, 2025): Rams 42, 49ers 26 ·
Head-to-Head in 2025: 1-1

Five key facts from the two 2025 matchups, one pattern: the Rams dominated statistically in both games but only won one of them.

Who is better, Rams or 49ers?

The head-to-head record in 2025 is split 1-1, but the numbers tell a deeper story. The Rams outgained the 49ers in total yards in both games (456 to 407 in the October game) according to ESPN (official matchup data). Yet the 49ers won the October contest by committing zero turnovers while forcing two from the Rams.

Head-to-head record in 2025

• October 2, 2025: 49ers 26, Rams 23 (OT) — ESPN (official matchup data)
• November 9, 2025: Rams 42, 49ers 26 — CBS Sports (game recap)

The implication: the Rams’ offense can overpower San Francisco, but the 49ers’ opportunistic defense still tilts close games.

Key player performances comparison

In the October game, Mac Jones (starting in relief) threw for 342 yards and 2 touchdowns, per ESPN (box score). Matthew Stafford countered with 389 yards and 3 touchdowns. By November, Stafford elevated his game further with 4 touchdown passes, as reported by the Los Angeles Rams (team official site).

The pattern: turnover margin decided the split, not total yardage.

Why did the 49ers kick a field goal in overtime?

The October game ended tied 23-23 after regulation. San Francisco won the coin toss and chose to receive, driving into Rams territory before stalling at the 35-yard line. They opted for a field goal to take a 26-23 lead, then held Los Angeles on the final possession.

What led to the overtime situation

• Both teams scored 23 points in regulation — the Rams had 456 total yards to the 49ers’ 407, per ESPN (game analytics) — cited above.
• San Francisco converted 7 of 18 third downs; Los Angeles converted 4 of 10, per same source.

The field goal decision

Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s decision to kick, rather than go for it on fourth down, reflected trust in his defense. The field goal gave them a three-point lead, and the defense delivered the stop.

The pattern: San Francisco’s coaching staff prioritized winning the immediate possession battle, knowing their defense had limited the Rams to 4 of 10 on third downs.

Why did the 49ers take the ball in OT?

Under NFL overtime rules, the team that wins the coin toss can choose to receive or defer. The 49ers elected to receive, a common choice for teams that trust their offense to score a touchdown and end the game.

NFL overtime rules

• Both teams get a possession unless the first team scores a touchdown.
• If the first team kicks a field goal, the second team gets a chance to tie or win.

Strategic choice

The 49ers believed their offense, led by Mac Jones, could drive for a winning score. After gaining 40 yards but stalling, they settled for a field goal. The decision to take the ball first was conventional and aligned with league-wide trends.

The implication: Shanahan played the percentages and his defense rewarded that trust.

Who is the 49ers’ biggest rival?

The 49ers-Rams rivalry is one of the NFL’s most storied, dating back to the 1950s. According to Wikipedia (49ers–Rams rivalry page), the Rams lead the all-time series but the rivalry has intensified in the 2020s due to playoff implications and high-profile personnel.

49ers-Rams rivalry history

Both teams have been in the same division (now NFC West) since 1970. Recent years have seen dramatic games, including the 2021 NFC Championship and the 2025 overtime thriller. For more NFL head-to-head breakdowns, see Green Bay Packers vs Pittsburgh Steelers Player Stats.

Other notable rivals

The Seattle Seahawks are also considered a major rival, but the Rams-49ers matchup currently carries the highest emotional and competitive stakes in the division.

Who do the Rams play if the 49ers win today?

This question depends on the specific playoff week and previous results. In a hypothetical 2025 Wild Card scenario, if the 49ers win their Wild Card game, the Rams would face the next opponent based on playoff seeding — typically the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the NFC.

Playoff scenarios

As of late 2025, the Rams’ path is tied to their own seeding. The ESPN (NFC West standings) — cited above — shows the Rams in contention.

Potential opponents

Possible opponents include the Lions, Packers, or NFC East champion, depending on results. The Divisional Round matchup would be determined by the highest remaining seed. For another NFC playoff race analysis, read Detroit Lions vs Vikings 2025: Odds, Score & Playoff Impact.

“These are two teams that do NOT like each other,” said an NFL analyst on CBS Sports HQ (NFL analysis).

“We had our chances but couldn’t capitalize,” a Rams linebacker said after the October overtime loss, per team media.

The 2025 49ers-Rams story is far from over. For the Rams, the offensive firepower is proven — Stafford’s 4-touchdown game shows they can blow past San Francisco. For the 49ers, the lesson is that defense and discipline can win even when outgained. For NFC West fans, the split series means the next meeting could decide playoff seeding.

Frequently asked questions