Matthew Stafford’s Historic 4-TD Day Lifts Rams Over 49ers in NFC West Thriller

Rams Clinch Crucial Road Victory, Stafford Sets NFL Benchmark

The Los Angeles Rams delivered a statement performance in the NFC West, defeating the rival San Francisco 49ers 31-24 at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, November 9, 2025. The victory was anchored by a masterful display from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose four-touchdown effort not only secured the critical road win but also cemented his place in the NFL record books.

Stafford’s performance was the capstone of an unprecedented three-game stretch, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to achieve three consecutive games with at least four passing touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a passer rating exceeding 120.0. This level of sustained, high-efficiency production is a testament to the Rams’ mid-season offensive resurgence and significantly tightens the race for the division crown.

The Record-Setting Run: Stafford’s Mid-Season Surge

Coming into the Week 10 matchup, the narrative surrounding the Rams’ offense had shifted dramatically. After a sluggish start to the season, Stafford and the receiving corps, led by Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, had hit their stride. The three-game streak leading up to the 49ers game included dominant wins over the Vikings and Seahawks, where Stafford consistently shredded opposing secondaries.

Against the 49ers, the veteran quarterback was surgical, completing 32 of 45 passes for 365 yards and maintaining a stellar 125.1 QBR. His ability to navigate the 49ers’ aggressive defensive front and deliver timely throws under pressure was the decisive factor in the game’s outcome.

Key Components of Stafford’s Success

Stafford’s efficiency was driven by several factors that exposed weaknesses in the 49ers’ defensive scheme, particularly their nickel package and coverage over the middle:

• Red Zone Efficiency: The Rams converted four of five red zone trips into touchdowns, a marked improvement from their early-season struggles. Stafford utilized play-action and quick slants to exploit man coverage near the goal line.
• Deep Ball Accuracy: Two of Stafford’s touchdowns were throws exceeding 20 air yards, including a crucial 42-yard strike to Nacua in the third quarter that broke a 17-17 tie.
• Pocket Presence: Despite facing constant pressure from Nick Bosa, Stafford was only sacked once. His quick release and ability to step up in the pocket neutralized the 49ers’ pass rush for long stretches.

“What Matthew is doing right now is historic. It’s not just the numbers; it’s the control he has over the offense and his decision-making under duress. He’s playing at an MVP level, and that’s why we won today,” commented Rams Head Coach Sean McVay after the game.

Game Flow and Pivotal Moments

The contest was a classic NFC West slugfest, characterized by physical defense and explosive offensive bursts. The 49ers, entering the game with a league-best 7-1 record, relied heavily on their ground game and the efficiency of quarterback Brock Purdy.

First Half: Trading Blows

The 49ers opened the scoring with a sustained 12-play drive capped by a short rushing touchdown from Christian McCaffrey. The Rams responded immediately, with Stafford connecting with Kupp for a 15-yard score. The half ended tied at 14-14, with both teams demonstrating offensive balance but struggling to pull away.

Second Half: Stafford Takes Control

The third quarter proved decisive. After the 49ers kicked a field goal to take a 17-14 lead, Stafford engineered two quick touchdown drives. The first was the deep shot to Nacua. The second, a methodical 75-yard drive, ended with Stafford finding tight end Tyler Higbee for a 5-yard score, extending the lead to 28-17 early in the fourth quarter.

The 49ers fought back, with Purdy leading a touchdown drive that narrowed the gap to 28-24 with five minutes remaining. However, the Rams’ defense, which had bent but not broken all afternoon, delivered the final blow.

The Defining Defensive Play

With the 49ers driving near midfield in the final two minutes, Rams safety Jordan Fuller intercepted a deep pass intended for Brandon Aiyuk. The turnover effectively ended the game, allowing the Rams to run down the clock after a field goal extended their lead to the final margin of 31-24.

Purdy finished the day with respectable numbers (24/38, 290 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT), but the late turnover proved fatal, marking a rare home loss for the 49ers.

NFC West Implications and Playoff Picture

This victory has profound implications for the NFC West standings and the overall playoff landscape. The Rams improved their record to 6-3, closing the gap significantly on the 49ers, who now stand at 7-2.

1. Division Race Tightens: The Rams now hold the crucial head-to-head tiebreaker advantage, meaning the Week 18 rematch will likely determine the division winner, assuming both teams maintain their current pace.
2. 49ers’ Vulnerability: The loss exposes defensive vulnerabilities that opposing teams will now attempt to exploit. The 49ers’ vaunted pass rush failed to generate consistent pressure, and their secondary struggled against the Rams’ elite route runners.
3. Rams’ Playoff Hopes: After a challenging start, the Rams have firmly established themselves as a legitimate contender for a Wild Card spot, if not the division title. Stafford’s current form suggests the Rams’ offense can compete with any team in the league.

Key Takeaways

The Rams’ 31-24 victory over the 49ers was more than just a divisional win; it was a statement about the team’s trajectory and the elite form of its quarterback.

• Historic Achievement: Matthew Stafford became the first QB in NFL history to post three straight games with 4+ TDs, 0 INTs, and a QBR over 120.0.
• Rams’ Resurgence: The Rams improved to 6-3, demonstrating that their offense is now one of the most potent and efficient units in the NFC.
• 49ers’ Challenge: San Francisco suffered only its second loss of the season, highlighting issues in their pass defense and the need for greater pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Decisive Turnover: Jordan Fuller’s late interception sealed the game, underscoring the importance of defensive takeaways in high-stakes divisional matchups.

Conclusion: A Shift in the NFC West Power Dynamic

The November 9th showdown proved that the NFC West is far from settled. While the 49ers remain a powerhouse, the Rams, fueled by the extraordinary play of Matthew Stafford, have demonstrated they possess the firepower necessary to challenge for the top seed. This game will be remembered not just for the score, but for the historic individual achievement that propelled the Rams back into serious contention, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 NFL regular season.