Week 15 began with a massive NFC West showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.
Both teams entered the contest fighting to remain in the playoff hunt.
There was a lot on the line and it was a close matchup.
While the total for the game was high, it ended up being a low-scoring game.
Los Angeles defeated San Francisco 12-6.
Below, we will discuss the contest’s playoff implications and each team’s chances of making the postseason.
Thursday Night Football Recap
If you like a low-scoring, defensive battle, you were in for a treat on Thursday night. If you tuned in for offense, you were out of luck.
The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers both did not score a TD in the game.
Instead, the Rams made four field goals while the 49ers made two field goals. LA won 12-6.
Matthew Stafford went 16/27, 160 passing yards, and zero passing TDs. Kyren Williams ran the ball 29 times and had 108 rushing yards. Puka Nacua had seven catches and 97 receiving yards. Cooper Kupp did not record a reception.
The Rams defense sacked Brock Purdy three times and picked him off once. Joshua Karty made four field goals in the contest.
Brock Purdy had a miserable game. He went 14/31, 142 passing yards, zero passing TDs, and one interception. Isaac Guerendo had 57 rushing yards on 16 carries. George Kittle had four receptions and 61 receiving yards.
While the 49ers defense did not record a sack or a takeaway, they held the Rams to just 12 points.
Playoff Implications For Rams & 49ers
With the win, the LA Rams improved to 8-6 and now have a 50% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL.com. They are eighth in the NFC and are 0.5 games back from the 8-5 Washington Commanders. The Commanders will face the Saints in New Orleans in week 15. LA will also keep an eye on division leader Seattle Seahawks (8-5) who are at home against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football in week 15. The Rams defeated the Seahawks in week 9 and face Seattle once again in week 18. The week 18 contest between the Rams and Seahawks could be for the division.
As for the San Francisco 49ers, they would have had an 11% chance of making the playoffs with a win on Thursday Night. However, after losing to the Rams and dropping to 6-8, NFL.com gives them less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs.
If Seattle loses at home against Green Bay in week 15, the Rams will take over first place in the NFC West. With three games remaining (@ Jets, vs Arizona, vs Seattle), if LA wins their remaining three games, they will win the NFC West and have a home playoff game. The Rams control their destiny and can make the playoffs by winning the division or via a wild-card spot.
San Francisco will not make the playoffs. A season riddled with injuries and misfortunes has hindered the 49ers this year.
