49ers Fall to Rams 42-26 in Crucial NFC West Showdown

UPDATE: The San Francisco 49ers suffered a devastating 42-26 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium on November 9, 2025, marking a critical setback in their NFC West battle. The Rams dominated early, scoring on their first three possessions and building a commanding 21-0 lead.

Despite a valiant effort to close the gap, the 49ers (6-4) could not overcome their injuries and turnovers against a well-prepared Rams (7-2) team. Quarterback Mac Jones showcased his skills with 319 yards and three touchdowns, but the 49ers’ defense, missing key players like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, allowed 280 passing yards and four touchdowns to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The game’s urgency was palpable as the 49ers struggled to respond to the Rams’ early onslaught. They managed to tighten the score multiple times but were met with quick answers from Los Angeles, showcasing their offensive prowess. Kyren Williams contributed significantly with 73 rushing yards and two touchdowns, further complicating the 49ers’ defensive woes.

49ers tight end George Kittle highlighted the team’s struggles, stating, “Our offense has to play at a high level, efficient, not turn over the ball, score points, score in the red zone, and then we’ll win a lot of games.” Kittle led San Francisco with 84 receiving yards and a late touchdown, his first game over 50 yards this season.

The team’s inability to protect the ball was evident as they recorded two turnovers, including a crucial interception by Jones on a fourth-down attempt. In contrast, the Rams played a clean game, capitalizing on every opportunity without committing any turnovers or penalties.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the injuries and their impact on the game, acknowledging the challenges posed by their diminished defense. “We are wounded, the D got more guys down over there — that does give the other side a little bit more of an advantage,” he said.

Looking ahead, the 49ers must regroup quickly to face their next opponent. Shanahan commented on Jones’ performance, noting, “He got rid of the ball, didn’t get caught with it too much, got the ball in the right spots and definitely gave us a chance to win.”

As the 49ers navigate this difficult loss, the focus shifts to their upcoming games. Kittle remains optimistic about the potential for improvement, claiming, “I believe that we can score a ton of points and I really do also believe that our defense will just get a little bit better every single week.”

With playoffs on the line, the 49ers need to address their offensive inefficiencies and bolster their defense if they hope to turn their season around. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the team’s next move as they strive for redemption in the competitive NFC West.