On the heels of an impressive fourth-quarter comeback victory against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, the Los Angeles Rams have one last regular season challenge: The San Francisco 49ers. Back on November 15, the 49ers gave the Rams a 31-10 beatdown on their home turf, but this Sunday, January 9, the opportunity for redemption will present itself at SoFi Stadium.
The 12-4 Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford are back looking sharp after a brief mid-season slump; and since that November 15 loss in San Francisco, have added pivotal receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to their already-stacked roster of talent. They are just on the edge of their second-straight NFC West title.
After last week’s victory in Baltimore, Rams head coach Sean McVay was clear that his quarterback gets the job done when push comes to shove. On Sunday against the Ravens, Stafford led a game-winning 75-yard drive with a 15-yard pass to Tyler Higbee, followed by a 24-yard pass to Cooper Kupp, and a couple to Beckham, which led to a touchdown with less than a minute remaining, resulting in a 20-19 Rams victory.
“I thought he was at his best when his best was required. He’s a mentally tough guy and that’s what you want from your quarterback,” said McVay. “When we had to have it, he made big throw after big throw in a clutch situation. That’s what great players do.”
The Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, January 9 at 1:25 p.m. at SoFi Stadium for their final regular season game.