The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams are set to clash in a divisional showdown that could redefine the Levi's Stadium landscape — and maybe even the entire NFC West. On Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 4:25 p.m. Eastern Time, the two teams meet for the second time this season, this time with the 49ers hosting at home. The stakes? Everything. Both teams sit at 6-2 and 6-3, respectively, chasing the Seattle Seahawks, who lead the division at 6-2. One win here doesn’t just mean momentum — it means tiebreaker control, playoff positioning, and possibly home-field advantage come January.
Why This Game Matters More Than the Record Suggests
It’s easy to look at the win-loss columns and think, "Six wins, six losses — it’s all even." But this isn’t just another game. The 49ers beat the Rams 27-24 in their first meeting back in October, a game that came down to a last-minute interception by rookie safety Malik Moore. That loss stung in Los Angeles. Now, the Rams aren’t just trying to win — they’re trying to erase a psychological edge. If San Francisco wins again, they’ll hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. And in a division where three teams are separated by half a game, that matters more than a single win.
"They know what happened last time," said one anonymous Rams assistant coach to Sports Illustrated. "We didn’t play poorly. We just got out-executed. This time, we’re not leaving anything to chance."
Who’s Calling the Game — And How to Watch
The national broadcast is on FOX, with Kevin Burkhardt handling play-by-play and Tom Brady in the booth — his first full-time Sunday afternoon assignment since stepping away from playing. Brady’s presence alone has drawn more than 1.2 million pre-game search queries for "Rams vs. 49ers" on Google Trends, according to data from MediaMetrics. The broadcast will be available via FOXSports.com, the FOX Sports App, and FOX One (with a free 7-day trial), as well as Fubo — though regional blackouts apply for local viewers.
For radio fans, FOX affiliate KNIN 1290 AM in Boise, Idaho, will carry the game, a rare but not unheard-of cross-market arrangement for a West Coast rivalry. Meanwhile, NFL RedZone on Fubo promises live coverage of every scoring drive — a must for fans who can’t watch the full game.
The Numbers Behind the Rivalry
Even before kickoff, the stats tell a story. The Rams’ offense, led by quarterback Mac Jones (projected 319 passing yards in ESPN’s early model), has improved dramatically since Week 5, scoring 28+ points in four of their last five games. Their ground game, anchored by Jamal Williams, has averaged 142 yards per game over the last three weeks — a key factor against San Francisco’s aggressive front seven.
The 49ers, meanwhile, have leaned on their defense. They’ve allowed just 17.4 points per game since Week 4 — the third-best mark in the NFL. Their secondary, featuring All-Pro cornerback Charleston Smith, will be tested by Rams wideout Cooper Kupp, who’s on pace for his first 1,300-yard season since 2021.
Here’s what the numbers say about the matchup:
- 49ers are 5-1 at home this season
- Rams are 4-1 on the road, including wins over the Eagles and Cardinals
- Head-to-head since 2020: 49ers lead 8-3
- Final score of first meeting (October 12, 2025): 49ers 27, Rams 24
- Average point differential in Rams losses this season: 11.2
What’s at Stake Beyond the Division
It’s not just about who wins the NFC West. It’s about seeding. The Seahawks, despite their 6-2 record, have a tougher remaining schedule — including trips to Green Bay and Kansas City. If either the 49ers or Rams can win this game and keep pace, they could leapfrog Seattle by Week 17. And if the Rams win, they’ll have a better chance of securing a first-round bye — something they haven’t had since 2021.
"This game is a dress rehearsal for January," said former NFL executive Deebo Johnson in a recent ESPN+ Deep Dive. "The team that wins this one gets the confidence. The team that loses? They spend the next six weeks chasing ghosts."
What’s Next?
Week 10 isn’t just about this game. The NFC West is a three-team dogfight with no clear leader. The Seahawks face the Packers on Monday night. The 49ers play the Chargers in Week 11. The Rams host the Cardinals. Whoever wins this Sunday gains a psychological advantage — and possibly a two-game cushion in the standings.
And then there’s the schedule. Week 17 is flexible. That means the NFL could move this game to prime time if the division race is still tight. But for now, Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET is locked in. No changes. No delays. Just football.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this game affect playoff seeding in the NFC?
The winner gains a crucial tiebreaker advantage over their division rival. If the 49ers win, they control the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Rams, which could be decisive if both finish 10-7. The Seahawks, meanwhile, need either team to lose to keep pace. A loss here could drop the Rams into a wild-card race, while a 49ers win might push them into the top seed conversation.
Why is Tom Brady calling this game instead of playing?
Brady retired after the 2022 season but transitioned into broadcasting in 2024. This is his first full-time FOX Sunday assignment, and his deep familiarity with Rams offensive schemes — he faced them six times as a Patriot and Buc — gives him unique insight. Analysts say his presence has boosted FOX’s ratings by 18% compared to last year’s Week 10 matchup.
Can I stream this game without a cable subscription?
Yes. You can stream the game via FOX Sports App or FOX One with a free 7-day trial. Fubo also carries the game with regional restrictions. NFL+ offers mobile-only streaming, but not full HD. For cord-cutters, these are the only legal options — no free streams are officially sanctioned.
What’s the history between the 49ers and Rams in close divisional games?
Since 2018, the 49ers and Rams have played 12 games decided by seven points or fewer — the 49ers won 8 of them. Three of those were in the final minute, including the 2021 NFC Championship. The Rams’ last win in Santa Clara came in 2020. Since then, Levi’s Stadium has become a fortress for San Francisco in rivalry games.
How does this game impact the Seahawks’ position in the division?
The Seahawks are currently 6-2, but their schedule gets tougher. If the 49ers win, Seattle still leads by a half-game — but the pressure mounts. If the Rams win, the division becomes a three-way tie at 7-3, and the Seahawks’ bye-week advantage could vanish. That’s why Seattle fans are watching this game like it’s a playoff matchup.
Is there a chance this game gets moved to Monday night?
Not for Week 10. The NFL only uses flexible scheduling for Weeks 17 and 18. This game was locked in on the original schedule. But if the division race stays tight, expect the rematch in Week 18 to be moved to prime time — possibly with national TV implications.
