The San Francisco 49ers walked into SoFi Stadium as 8.5-point underdogs, missing stars at nearly every position, and still walked out with one of the most improbable victories of the NFL season. On Thursday night, with backup quarterback Mac Jones under center, Kyle Shanahan’s depleted squad stunned the Los Angeles Rams 26-23 in overtime — a statement win that adds another dramatic chapter to the Shanahan–McVay rivalry.

A Villain Entrance, A Hot Start

Analyst Harry Douglas joked pregame that Mac Jones arrived “like a villain, Harvey Two-Face,” setting the tone for an evening where perception and reality would collide. The Niners’ first half suggested this wasn’t going to be the mismatch oddsmakers expected.

Early in the second quarter, Jones connected with Christian McCaffrey on a touchdown pass, giving San Francisco a 14-0 lead. The game plan was simple: limit turnovers, lean on physical play, and trust Jones to manage the offense with precision.

But what looked like a runaway quickly turned into a fight. Matthew Stafford and the Rams chipped away, clawing back into the contest despite self-inflicted wounds that would prove fatal.

Stafford’s Heroics — and McVay’s Gamble

By overtime, the Rams had positioned themselves to win. Trailing 26-23 with under six minutes to play, Stafford led a brilliant drive, firing darts downfield and showing why many still consider him one of the league’s most underrated quarterbacks.

Facing fourth-and-one at the Niners’ 11-yard line, Rams head coach Sean McVay had a choice: kick the field goal to tie or put the game in his offense’s hands. He chose the latter.

It backfired. The Niners defense, aggressive and disciplined, stuffed the attempt. San Francisco would never give the ball back.

After the game, McVay was candid: “It’s a bad call by me. No hesitation in the moment, I wanted to win the game. But I put our players in a bad spot. I’ve got to live with that.”

Analysts Agree — Right Call, Wrong Play

The football world immediately debated McVay’s choice. Most agreed with the decision to go for it but questioned the execution. Analysts like Bart Scott argued the ball should have been in Stafford’s hands instead of relying on a congested run. With San Francisco’s defense selling out to plug the middle, the play call left no room for success.

“Put it in your best player’s hands,” Scott said. “Stafford was dicing the defense all night. Give him options. That’s how you win.”

Peter Schrager added context, pointing to the bigger picture: “This wasn’t just any October game. The Shanahan–McVay rivalry is real. Shanahan has beaten him six straight times as the underdog. McVay didn’t want to leave it up to kickers again.”

Injuries? No Excuses for San Francisco

The 49ers entered the game missing nearly an entire Pro Bowl lineup. Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings were among the headliners sidelined. During the game itself, more injuries piled up, including a broken hand on defense and Jones himself limping through hits that looked painful enough to end his night.

And yet, San Francisco fought. Jones delivered 342 yards passing, the second-highest total of his career. Kendrick Bourne, criticized earlier this season for drops, erupted for 10 catches in a redemption performance. McCaffrey continued to be the heartbeat of the offense.

“This team is as well-coached as any in the league,” one commentator said. “They just refuse to fold, no matter who’s on the field.”

The Shanahan–McVay Saga Continues

For all the talk about quarterback controversies and play calls, the storyline continues to be Shanahan’s mastery over his former assistant. The 49ers coach now owns an 11-7 career record against McVay and has beaten him six straight times when entering as an underdog.

For Rams fans, the frustration runs deeper than one loss. SoFi Stadium once again sounded like Levi’s South, with Niners fans taking over the stands. Stafford had to use a silent count — at home.

“It’s supposed to be Rams House,” one analyst joked. “But every time the 49ers come, it’s like Airbnb. The Rams are just renting.”

Quarterback Questions in San Francisco

With Purdy sidelined, Jones is now 3-0 as the 49ers’ starter. His efficient play and command of Shanahan’s system have sparked whispers: should the Niners consider riding the hot hand?

Most experts dismissed the idea of a controversy. Purdy, fresh off a massive contract and a Super Bowl run, will regain the starting job once healthy. But Jones has given Shanahan something invaluable — time. With the luxury of a capable backup, the Niners don’t need to rush Purdy back.

Jones himself downplayed the speculation, crediting teammates and insisting it’s Purdy’s team. Still, with the way San Francisco rallies around him, it’s a subplot that could linger if he keeps winning.

A Costly Loss for the Rams

The Rams leave this game reeling. They outgained San Francisco in total yardage, with Stafford throwing for over 300 yards and the offense tallying 450 overall. And yet, they still lost.

Why? Mistakes. A missed field goal. A blocked extra point. A goal-line fumble by Kyren Williams. And the failed fourth-and-one in overtime. Championship teams don’t squander chances like these.

“This is one of the worst losses of McVay’s tenure,” one analyst said. “You had an undermanned rival on the ropes. At home. And you let them walk out with a win.”

Looking Ahead

The 49ers, now 5-1, have the NFL’s easiest remaining schedule and a roster that should only get healthier. If Jones can keep them afloat, San Francisco could be poised for another deep postseason run once Purdy and the stars return.

For the Rams, this was more than just a divisional loss. It was a reminder that even at full strength, their margin for error is razor-thin in a competitive NFC West. They’ll need to regroup quickly or risk falling behind in the playoff race.

In the end, the night belonged to Shanahan and the 49ers. Underdogs on paper, they once again proved that culture, coaching, and grit can overcome injuries and odds. And as for McVay? He’ll spend the week reliving that fourth-and-one, knowing it could define more than just one game.