Rams' Williams: Sweeping 49ers proves 'we're the big brothers now'

Sweeping the San Francisco 49ers meant more to Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams than just a season-series victory. For Williams, it also represented a changing of the guard.

"It means everything," Williams told reporters following the 12-6 victory Thursday night. "I don't think I've done that since I've been here. Being able to do that knowing how good of a team they are and knowing the history with the two organizations, it's huge."

He added: "It shows that we're the big brothers now."

This is the first time Los Angeles has swept the two-game season series since 2018. The Rams also defeated San Francisco 27-24 in late September after being down 21-7 midway through the third quarter.

Los Angeles outgained the 49ers 302-191 on Thursday night. The rain initially slowed down both teams, but Matthew Stafford went 12 of 15 for 137 yards in the second half after throwing for only 23 passing yards in the first.

Niners quarterback Brock Purdy struggled throughout, completing only 14 passes for 142 yards and one interception. He went 0 for 7 with one pick on throws of 20-plus yards, according to ESPN's Benjamin Solak.

Los Angeles moved to 8-6 with the win, one loss back from the 8-5 NFC West-leading Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco fell to 6-8 and now has a less than 1% chance of making the playoffs, according to NFL.com.

The 49ers haven't missed the playoffs since 2020 and have made it to at least the NFC championship in each of the last three seasons.