Los Angeles Rams blow 17-point lead to 49ers, but still win NFC West

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The Los Angeles Rams blew a 17-point lead to lose a sixth straight game to the division rival San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Despite losing 27-24 in overtime, the Rams still won the division title because the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Arizona Cardinals.

The Rams sprinted to a 17-3 first-half lead behind a flawless performance from quarterback Matthew Stafford and a physical defensive showing that included Taylor Rapp’s fourth interception of the season.

But they came out of the break flat, as the defense allowed Deebo Samuel to wreak havoc once again. The Niners receiver rushed for a 16-yard touchdown and then completed a 24-yard pass for a score that tied the game, 17-17.

A victory would have earned the Rams the No. 2 seed in the NFC.

Describe the game in two words: Tale of two halves (sure, that’s four words, but it’s fitting). The Rams started fast through the first half but disappeared in the third quarter.

QB Breakdown: Stafford is still looking for a signature win on a big stage. In control of an opportunity to win his first division title in 13 seasons, the veteran quarterback came up short. In the first half, Stafford completed 15 of 16 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. He finished 21 of 32 for 238 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Biggest hole in the game plan: Fair to say, the third quarter. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, winner of six straight over his friend and Rams coach Sean McVay, made adjustments that enabled his offense to overcome a disasterous start that included only 83 total yards in the first half.

Silver lining: Less than six months after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon, second-year running back Cam Akers made his season debut. Akers only rushed five times for 3 yards, but he also caught three passes for 10 yards.