49ers vs Rams 2026: Rivalry History, Head-to-Head Stats & Key Matchups

# 49ers vs Rams 2026: Rivalry History, Head-to-Head Stats & Key Matchups

By Daniel Rozin | A Versus B | August 7, 2027

The San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams is one of the NFC West's defining rivalries — two franchises that have shared the same division since the Rams moved back to Los Angeles in 2016, and two teams that meet twice a season with playoff seeding often on the line. In recent years, this matchup has become one of the most competitive and consequential in the NFC.

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All-Time Head-to-Head Series#

Since the Rams returned to Los Angeles, the rivalry has been remarkably balanced with a slight 49ers edge. The 2022 NFC Championship game remains the most significant recent meeting — the Rams defeated San Francisco 20-17 in overtime at SoFi Stadium en route to winning Super Bowl LVI.

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Key Historical Matchups#

2022 NFC Championship Game#

The defining game of the modern rivalry era. The Rams trailed heading into the fourth quarter, but Matthew Stafford orchestrated a comeback, hitting Cooper Kupp on a critical third-down conversion before the game-winning touchdown. The 49ers led for most of the contest but couldn't close it out. The Rams went on to beat the Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.

2021 NFC Divisional Round#

San Francisco dominated 27-24 — Deebo Samuel was the offensive catalyst, rushing for a key touchdown. The 49ers advanced before losing to the Rams the following season in the Championship game.

2023 Season — Twin Thrillers#

The 2023 regular season featured two games decided by a combined 7 points. The 49ers won both — highlighting how competitive this division rivalry remains even when rosters change.

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Key Players in the Rivalry#

49ers#

Brock Purdy has emerged as the 49ers' franchise quarterback after being picked dead last in the 2022 draft (Mr. Irrelevant). Against the Rams, Purdy has shown composure and efficiency within Kyle Shanahan's scheme-diverse offense.

Christian McCaffrey is the most versatile running back in the NFC. His ability to function as a receiver out of the backfield forces the Rams' linebackers to cover him in space — a mismatch they've struggled to solve.

Nick Bosa anchors a defensive line that has historically given the Rams' offensive line problems.

Rams#

Matthew Stafford remains the Rams' franchise quarterback in 2026. When healthy, his arm talent for deep shot accuracy is elite.

Cooper Kupp is Stafford's primary weapon and the player who comes up biggest in crucial moments.

Puka Nacua emerged in 2023 (setting rookie receiving records) and has developed into a reliable second option alongside Kupp.

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What Drives This Rivalry#

Kyle Shanahan vs. Sean McVay: Two of the most innovative offensive minds in the NFL face each other twice a year. Both coaches extensively share the same "outside zone" running scheme philosophy — McVay studied under Shanahan's father Mike.

NFC West seeding implications: In a division where the 49ers and Rams regularly battle for the top seed, their head-to-head meetings are often tiebreaker-defining.

Fan intensity in LA: Rams' games at SoFi Stadium regularly include a significant 49ers fan contingent — a point of ongoing tension.

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2026 Preview#

Both franchises enter 2026 with Super Bowl aspirations. The 49ers remain structurally excellent — elite receiver talent, a proven quarterback, and Shanahan's proven scheme advantage. The Rams have continued building around Stafford while developing young talent.

Key questions for 2026:

• Can the Rams' offensive line protect Stafford against Bosa and the 49ers' pass rush?
• Is Deebo Samuel healthy enough to provide the run-pass-option threat the offense needs?
• Will the Rams' secondary be able to neutralize Aiyuk and McCaffrey in coverage?

For current player stats and box scores, see our 49ers vs Rams match player stats page.