The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a stunning 26-23 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football, a game that had everything from injuries to last-second heroics. Despite missing quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle, the Niners leaned on backup Mac Jones, who threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns in a performance that kept San Francisco's record at a solid 4-1. Indeed, Jones's poise under pressure highlighted the team's resilience, even as the Rams mounted a furious comeback to force extra time.
Christian McCaffrey was back in the mix for the 49ers, rushing for key yards and drawing defenders to open up the passing game—his presence felt like a game-changer after weeks on the sideline. On the other side, Matthew Stafford connected with Puka Nacua for big gains, but Los Angeles couldn't capitalize fully, especially with that critical fourth-and-1 stop on Kyren Williams in overtime. The Rams, now 2-3, showed fight but left fans frustrated by untimely penalties and missed opportunities. San Francisco's defense, led by a gritty front, sealed the deal when it mattered most.
Before kickoff, predictions leaned toward the Rams at home, with oddsmakers favoring them by a field goal amid the 49ers' injury woes. Yet here we are, with the NFC West lead still in San Francisco's grasp after sweeping divisional foes so far. The game aired on Prime Video, Amazon's streaming service that's become the go-to for Thursday nights, drawing millions despite the late West Coast start at 8:15 p.m. ET. For those catching replays, ESPN and NFL Network have highlights on loop.
Looking ahead, the 49ers host the Seahawks next Sunday, while the Rams travel to Seattle the week after—schedules tightening in this brutal division. McCaffrey's return adds intrigue, but can the Niners sustain this momentum without their full roster? It's a question that lingers as the season pushes forward.