49ers Playoff Hopes Dim After Frustrating 12-6 Loss to Rams

Liam O’Connor

Dec 16th, 2024

49ers prepare to get the ball deep in their own territory.

On a rain-soaked Thursday night at Levi's Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers fell to the Los Angeles Rams, 12-6, in a game defined by missed opportunities and an offense that struggled to find rhythm. The loss drops San Francisco to 6-8 on the season, placing them on the brink of playoff elimination and shifting the focus toward 2025 NFL Draft positioning.

Quarterback Brock Purdy endured one of his toughest outings, completing just 14 of 30 passes for 142 yards, with no touchdowns and an interception. The persistent rain played a role in his struggles, but Purdy refused to blame the weather. “We just didn’t execute. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

The return of star linebacker Dre Greenlaw provided a rare bright spot. Playing in his first game since rupturing his Achilles in February's Super Bowl, Greenlaw led the team with eight tackles in the first half. However, concerns arose as he sat out the majority of the second half due to discomfort in his knee.

While he noted that his Achilles felt fine, the knee on the same leg was the issue. With the extended rest before their next game in Miami, the 49ers hope Greenlaw will be ready to contribute in Week 16.

Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, playing through a lingering foot injury, managed 57 yards on 16 carries, providing some consistency on the ground. Tight end George Kittle led all 49ers receivers with 61 yards on four catches, while Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, and Brandon Aiyuk combined for minimal gains.

Samuel’s frustrations boiled over after the game. Coming off a week of public comments about his limited involvement in the offense, the star receiver dropped a pivotal pass in the second quarter. The play could have resulted in a touchdown or at least moved the 49ers deeper into the red zone.

“Real, very frustrating,” Samuel admitted. “At the end of the day, catch that ball, there’s nothing there but end zone. I got to catch that rock.”

Instead, the drive ended with a field goal — the last points San Francisco would score. The Rams, led by three field goals of their own, seized control and never relinquished their lead.

With their playoff hopes dwindling, the 49ers’ focus now shifts to the offseason. Thursday’s loss initially positioned San Francisco for the No. 13 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but Sunday’s results from other games dropped them to No. 15 overall.

The 49ers’ next test comes against the surging Miami Dolphins in Week 16. While San Francisco still has mathematical chances to make the postseason, they’ll need a near-miracle to overcome their current position in the NFC standings.

For now, the 49ers are left to rue missed chances , both on the field and in their dwindling season.