The Los Angeles Rams left nothing to chance this time around when they faced off against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. The Rams (7-2) demolished the 49ers (6-4) behind another Matthew Stafford gem and a physical defensive effort. Rams legend perfectly summed it up in his postgame tweet.
LA stormed out to a 21-0 lead in the first half before San Francisco “tried” to make a comeback bid in the early second half. It wasn’t nearly enough, with the Rams making significantly more plays on both offense and defense to avenge their Week 5 loss against their rival.
But which plays sealed the deal? Here are the five game-defining moments from Los Angeles’s Week 10 win:
### 1. Nate Landman Forced Fumble (Rams 14, 49ers 0) — 3:24 left in 1st Quarter
The Rams jumped on the 49ers early, mirroring how San Francisco started against LAR in Week 5. Only this time, when the 49ers tried to throw their own counterpunch, the Rams delivered an uppercut of their own.
On 2nd & 10 at the LAR 39-yard line, Mac Jones threw a short pass to Jaquan Jennings, who picked up the first down. But Nate Landman, as he typically does, came in for a swarming tackle, using his right arm to dislodge the ball from Jennings. Kam Kinchens scooped up the loose ball and returned it to the LAR 41.
It was a huge momentum swing that allowed LA to keep their foot on the gas.
### 2. Byron Young Stops Christian McCaffrey on 4th Down (Rams 21, 49ers 0) — 8:45 left in 2nd Quarter
Byron Young stepped up with a crucial defensive stop on 4th down to keep the 49ers off the scoreboard early, maintaining the Rams’ dominant lead.
### 3. 4th & 3 Conversion from Matthew Stafford to Puka Nacua (Rams 21, 49ers 14) — 6:20 left in 3rd Quarter
To open the second half, San Francisco drove downfield and scored, narrowing the gap to a one-score game. Los Angeles responded with a critical drive but faced resistance after crossing the SF 30.
After failing to connect with Kyren Williams in the flat on 3rd & 3, head coach Sean McVay decided to go for it on 4th & 3 at San Francisco’s 28-yard line. Rather than risking a field goal or punting, McVay put the ball in the hands of his best players: Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.
The duo didn’t disappoint, converting the crucial fourth down and keeping the drive alive.
### 4. Davante Adams Red Zone Touchdown (Rams 28, 49ers 14) — 2:39 left in 3rd Quarter
The Rams have clearly found the solution to their early-season red zone struggles. Stafford and Adams connected for the sixth time in just a three-game span.
When the Rams needed to ensure they were putting their division rivals away, they turned to their leading touchdown playmaker. Adams hauled in a touchdown pass that extended LA’s lead and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.
### 5. Emmanuel Forbes Hauls in Interception (Rams 35, 49ers 20) — 8:29 left in 4th Quarter
Every time San Francisco tried to counterpunch Los Angeles, the Rams defense was ready.
On 4th & 4 at the SF 41-yard line, Mac Jones targeted George Kittle for the first down. But Emmanuel Forbes timed his jump perfectly, deflecting the pass and hauling in the batted ball for only the second interception of his Rams career.
Even special teams contributed some positive plays throughout the game, rounding out a complete team effort.
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What were your favorite plays from the game? Which moment do you think ultimately changed the outcome? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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