Revenge is a dish best served cold, and the 49ers waited nearly a year to exact theirs on Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams.
After San Francisco was swept by Los Angeles last season, Williams claimed the Rams were the “big brothers now” after years of the 49ers’ one-sided dominance in the interstate rivalry.
Kyren Williams after the Rams swept the 49ers:
“We’re the big brothers now.” 💔 pic.twitter.com/LrKkKcsE5w
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) December 13, 2024
The new “big brothers” certainly entered Thursday night’s matchup with an objective upperhand as San Francisco was without a number of its star players, including quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall and defensive end Nick Bosa. However, it was the 49ers who got the last laugh as San Francisco’s depleted roster made two incredible defensive stands on plays where Williams was carrying the ball for the Rams to secure an improbable 26-23 overtime win.
The first came in the dying moments of the fourth quarter, with the Rams on the verge of securing a last-minute win. With San Francisco leading 23-20, Los Angeles lined up for a first-and-goal play from the 49ers’ 3-yard line with 1:07 remaining.
The Rams opted to hand the ball off to Williams, who was inches from crossing the goal line before 49ers rookie defensive tackle Alfred Collins saved the day, punching the ball out and forcing an improbable fumble that left Los Angeles stunned.
ALFRED COLLINS PUNCHES IT OUT AT THE GOAL LINE 😱pic.twitter.com/HSQqxLFcNl
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 3, 2025
Another look at that perfect Peanut Punch 🥊pic.twitter.com/pbGw7LtpIV
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 3, 2025
Williams and the Rams had an opportunity for redemption in overtime, once again deep in 49ers’ territory trailing by a field goal.
On fourth-and-1 from San Francisco’s 11-yard line, Williams was denied again by the 49ers’ scrappy defense.
49ERS GET THE STOP! 49ERS WIN! pic.twitter.com/zw5Hvr25NS
— NFL (@NFL) October 3, 2025
The stop not only secured the win and a 3-0 start in the NFC West for the 49ers, it also provided poetic justice for an undermanned team as San Francisco responded to Williams’ comments in gritty fashion.
Sitting a top the NFC West standings after five games, it appears the rightful “big brothers” have returned to their perch.
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