The San Francisco 49ers pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 NFL season with a thrilling 26-23 overtime victory against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Against all odds, backup quarterback Mac Jones stepped up to deliver one of his best performances, guiding the injury-hit Niners to a famous win.
Niners Enter Game as Major Underdogs
Heading into the matchup at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the 49ers were seen as clear outsiders. According to ESPN BET, the Rams were 8.5-point favourites, making this the largest upset win of the 2025 season so far.
It was the Niners’ first victory as such heavy underdogs since 2011, when they shocked the Philadelphia Eagles.
The upset surpassed Cleveland Browns’ Week 3 win over the Green Bay Packers, where the Packers were favoured by 7.5 points.
Coach Kyle Shanahan admitted he was frustrated about the odds and used it as motivation. Jones, though unfazed by betting talk, echoed his coach’s fire:
“Kyle came up to me and he was pissed about it. I said, ‘Yeah, let’s go kill them.’”
Key Players Missing, But Team Spirit Shines
The 49ers were without several key stars:
Starting quarterback Brock Purdy (toe injury)
Wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings
Tight end George Kittle
Defensive end Nick Bosa (ACL tear, out for the season)
Despite the setbacks, San Francisco showed resilience. Jones led the team with a makeshift group of receivers including Kendrick Bourne, Demarcus Robinson, and tight end Luke Farrell – none of whom had a catch for the Niners in 2024.
Mac Jones Delivers Career-Best Performance
Jones, playing through a sprained left knee and forearm cramps, looked sharp and composed:
33 completions from 49 attempts
342 passing yards
2 touchdowns, no interceptions
100.9 passer rating
Shanahan praised his quarterback, saying:
“He played his ass off. Protecting the ball like that, with that many throws against a defence like the Rams, I can’t say enough about him.”
Jones opened the game strongly, leading two early touchdown drives – connecting with Jake Tonges and star running back Christian McCaffrey to take a 14-0 lead.
Kendrick Bourne Steps Up Big
Receiver Kendrick Bourne, signed just weeks ago, emerged as Jones’ top target:
10 catches for 142 yards (career highs)
8 catches resulted in first downs
Provided energy and leadership despite some dropped passes and line-up issues
Teammate Kyle Juszczyk praised Bourne’s spirit:
“KB has brought so much energy, so much juice to this team… he’s definitely helped spark us.”
Defence and Rookies Save the Day
The 49ers’ rookie defenders once again played crucial roles:
Alfred Collins (DT) forced and recovered a late fumble at the goal line, stopping what could have been a Rams game-winning touchdown.
Marques Sigle (S) made the final stop on Rams’ running back Kyren Williams, halting him on fourth-and-1 at the Niners’ 11-yard line.
Veteran linebacker Fred Warner highlighted the impact of the younger players:
“Our young guys are really coming and playing big for us… and they’re just getting started.”
What’s Next for the 49ers?
The win lifts San Francisco to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in the NFC West, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt.
The team will now enjoy a few extra days’ rest before travelling to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6.
Quarterback Brock Purdy’s return remains uncertain, with Shanahan confirming the situation is “week-to-week” after a toe injury setback.
Whether Jones continues to start or steps aside once Purdy recovers, this performance has reminded fans and critics alike that he can deliver when it matters most.
Conclusion
The San Francisco 49ers’ win over the Rams wasn’t just another regular-season victory – it was a statement of grit, resilience, and belief. With Mac Jones proving he can lead under pressure, Kendrick Bourne sparking the offence, and rookies making match-winning plays, this was a night the Niners will remember for a long time.
Sources:
ESPN BET odds reports
Post-game interviews with Kyle Shanahan, Mac Jones, Kyle Juszczyk, and Fred Warner
San Francisco 49ers team updates
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