49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

Joshua Karty kicked four field goals and the Los Angeles Rams beat the 49ers 12-6 in heavy rain at Levi's Stadium on Thursday Night Football. The first touchdown-less game of the 2024 NFL season. Matthew Stafford went 16-of-27 for 160 (137 of which came after the rain stopped in the second half). Brock Purdy completed 14 of 30 for 142 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Darious Williams intercepted Purdy in the end zone to seal the win. The 49ers fell to 6-8 and were essentially eliminated from playoff contention.[1][2]

The first touchdown-less game of the 2024 NFL season was a 49ers loss. Joshua Karty kicked four field goals. Matthew Stafford threw for 160 yards. Brock Purdy threw for 142 yards and the interception that ended any 49ers comeback attempt. The rain fell through the first half and the offense fell with it.

'I read the throw perfectly,' Darious Williams would have been within his rights to say. Purdy's deep ball to Jauan Jennings was the play that, had it landed, made the game competitive in the fourth quarter. It did not land.

The 49ers are 6-8 and on the brink of elimination from a postseason that, four months ago, looked like it might end in another Super Bowl trip. Three games left, no McCaffrey, no Aiyuk, a Brock Purdy who has not produced a touchdown pass in two of his last three starts. The season is effectively over.

Rams 12, 49ers 6. Margin: -6. Fifteen-game record: 6-8, -6 differential.

• First touchdown-less game of 2024 NFL season.
• Karty: 4 FGs.
• Stafford: 16-of-27 for 160 yards (137 of 160 after the rain stopped in 2H).
• Purdy: 14-of-30 for 142, 0 TD, 1 INT (Darious Williams in the end zone).
• Moody: 47-yard FG (Q3).
• Heavy rain in 1H affected both offenses.
• 49ers 6-8 (essentially eliminated).

A 12-6 loss to the Rams in heavy rain at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers fall to 6-8.

How it unfolded

The rain made both offenses look like they were playing a different sport in the first half. The Rams kicked a field goal. The 49ers kicked one. The Rams added a second field goal before the half to make it 6-3 LAR. The rain stopped in the third quarter and Stafford found his rhythm: a long drive that ended in a third Karty field goal to push the lead to 9-3. The 49ers responded with a Moody field goal to make it 9-6. Karty added a fourth to push the lead back to two scores. Purdy's last meaningful throw was the deep ball to Jennings that Williams intercepted in the end zone.

The turning point

Darious Williams' interception in the end zone. With the 49ers driving for the tying touchdown with under five minutes left, Williams read Purdy's throw to Jennings and ended the comeback.

By the numbers

Purdy 142 passing yards on 30 attempts, no touchdowns, one interception. Stafford 160 passing yards on 27 attempts, no touchdowns. Karty four field goals; both kickers combined for the only points of the game. The 49ers ran for 78 yards as a team. The first touchdown-less game of the 2024 NFL season.

Personnel watch

McCaffrey IR. Aiyuk IR. The 49ers' offensive personnel was the same as the previous two weeks. The rain neutralized the deep ball the offense has been built around. The defense played well; the offense did not.

What it means

6-8 with the season effectively over. The Dolphins on the road next, then the Lions on Monday night, then Arizona to close. The 49ers are playing for pride and contract decisions.