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NFL · Week 17 · December 30, 2018 · 12 min read

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams: 2018 Week 17 Recap

Rams defeat 49ers 48–32 in Week 17

Jared Goff led Fantasy Impact as Rams prevailed in a 32–48 Week 17 finish.

San Francisco 49ers 32 4–12
Final 32–48
Los Angeles Rams 48 13–3 Winner
Winner
Los Angeles Rams
Final score
32–48
Halftime
San Francisco 49ers 10–31 Los Angeles Rams
Top passer
Nick Mullens
FantasyHQ MVP
Jared Goff
Game date
December 30, 2018

Top fantasy performers · 49ers

  • George Kittle
    George Kittle 9 REC · 149 YDS · 1 TD +7.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Kendrick Bourne
    Kendrick Bourne 5 REC · 59 YDS · 1 TD +5.7 Fantasy Impact
  • Nick Mullens
    Nick Mullens 23/40 · 266 YDS · 4 TD +5.0 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Rams

  • Jared Goff
    Jared Goff 15/27 · 199 YDS · 4 TD +15.9 Fantasy Impact
  • Brandin Cooks
    Brandin Cooks 5 REC · 62 YDS · 2 TD +6.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Josh Reynolds
    Josh Reynolds 4 REC · 55 YDS · 2 TD +4.7 Fantasy Impact
View 49ers vs Rams box score View all 2018 NFL game recaps

Game story

The Los Angeles Rams defeated the San Francisco 49ers 48–32 in Week 17 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-12-30, a matchup that controlled the game from start to finish. The decisive swing (-18.3% win probability) came in the opening quarter when San Francisco 49ers swung the momentum.

In Week 17 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-12-30, the Los Angeles Rams took care of business against the San Francisco 49ers, pulling away with a 48–32 final that controlled the game from start to finish.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

N. Mullens (San Francisco 49ers) paced the passing game, with +4.99 total EPA, and +5.5% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +15.89 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (-18.3% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when San Francisco 49ers changed the game: (13:19) 44-K.Juszczyk right end to LA 49 for no gain (26-M.Barron, 90-M.Brockers). FUMBLES (26-M.Barron), RECOVERED by LA-21-A.Talib at LA 46. 21-A.Talib to SF 7 for 47 yards (85-G.Kittle).

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
San Francisco 49ers37715032
Los Angeles Rams1417143048

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

  1. 1 J. Goff · Los Angeles Rams · Passing · +15.89 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.59 EPA/play
  2. 2 G. Kittle · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +7.02 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.50 EPA/play
  3. 3 B. Cooks · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +6.39 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
  4. 4 K. Bourne · San Francisco 49ers · Receiving · +5.70 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.95 EPA/play
  5. 5 N. Mullens · San Francisco 49ers · Passing · +4.99 total EPA · 40 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
  6. 6 J. Reynolds · Los Angeles Rams · Receiving · +4.73 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.68 EPA/play
  7. 7 A. Morris · San Francisco 49ers · Rushing · +3.86 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.24 EPA/play
  8. 8 C. Anderson · Los Angeles Rams · Rushing · +2.64 total EPA · 23 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

J. Goff — LA · Passing

J. Goff posted the highest total EPA (+15.89) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Rams's efficiency. Across 27 counted snaps, they averaged +0.59 EPA per play.

The signature play (-7.87 EPA) came from San Francisco 49ers: (13:19) 44-K.Juszczyk right end to LA 49 for no gain (26-M.Barron, 90-M.Brockers). FUMBLES (26-M.Barron), RECOVERED by LA-21-A.Talib at LA 46. 21-A.Talib to SF 7 for 47 yards (85-G.Kittle).

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Los Angeles Rams — B. Cooks (J. Goff pass) (Q1 57:03)
  • Los Angeles Rams — C. Anderson (Q1 55:46)
  • Los Angeles Rams — C. Littleton (Q2 42:45)
  • Los Angeles Rams — B. Cooks (J. Goff pass) (Q2 36:09)
  • San Francisco 49ers — R. James (N. Mullens pass) (Q2 32:10)
  • Los Angeles Rams — J. Reynolds (J. Goff pass) (Q3 27:28)
  • San Francisco 49ers — A. Morris (Q3 23:28)
  • Los Angeles Rams — J. Reynolds (J. Goff pass) (Q3 18:05)
  • San Francisco 49ers — K. Bourne (N. Mullens pass) (Q4 7:02)
  • San Francisco 49ers — G. Kittle (N. Mullens pass) (Q4 2:30)

Field goals

  • San Francisco 49ers — R. Gould (Q1 47:16)
  • Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q2 30:03)
  • Los Angeles Rams — G. Zuerlein (Q4 11:49)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 14–3. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 3 (Q1 57:03) — (12:03) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 12-B.Cooks for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q1 56:57) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 1 (Q1 55:46) — (10:46) 35-C.Anderson up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q1 55:42) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; San Francisco 49ers connected on a field goal from the LA 12 (Q1 47:16) — (2:16) 9-R.Gould 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-C.Holba, Holder-5-B.Pinion..

The second quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 17–7. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the LA 88 (Q2 42:45); Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q2 42:37) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 18 (Q2 36:09) — (6:09) (No Huddle) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 12-B.Cooks for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q2 36:00) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LA 9 (Q2 32:10) — (2:10) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short left to 13-R.James for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q2 32:07) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-40-C.Holba, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the SF 10 (Q2 30:03) — (:03) 4-G.Zuerlein 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The third quarter: Los Angeles Rams won the period 14–7. Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 29 (Q3 27:28) — (12:28) 16-J.Goff pass deep right to 83-J.Reynolds for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q3 27:19) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LA 1 (Q3 23:28) — (8:28) 76-G.Gilliam reported in as eligible. 46-A.Morris up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q3 23:23) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-40-C.Holba, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; Los Angeles Rams found the end zone from the SF 2 (Q3 18:05) — (3:05) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 83-J.Reynolds for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Rams added 1 points from the SF 15 (Q3 17:58) — 4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker..

The fourth quarter: San Francisco 49ers won the period 15–3. Los Angeles Rams connected on a field goal from the SF 33 (Q4 11:49) — (11:49) 4-G.Zuerlein 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LA 2 (Q4 7:02) — (7:02) 4-N.Mullens pass short left to 84-K.Bourne for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on LA-23-N.Robey, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.; San Francisco 49ers added 1 points from the LA 15 (Q4 6:54) — 9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-40-C.Holba, Holder-5-B.Pinion.; San Francisco 49ers found the end zone from the LA 43 (Q4 2:30) — (2:30) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short left to 85-G.Kittle for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; San Francisco 49ers registered a safety from the LA 2 (Q4 2:20) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-N.Mullens pass to 81-T.Taylor is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

  • San Francisco 49ers (Q1 58:19) — (13:19) 44-K.Juszczyk right end to LA 49 for no gain (26-M.Barron, 90-M.Brockers). FUMBLES (26-M.Barron), RECOVERED by LA-21-A.Talib at LA 46. 21-A.Talib to SF 7 for 47 yards (85-G.Kittle). [WPA -18.3% · EPA -7.87]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q1 56:10) — (11:10) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short right intended for 13-R.James INTERCEPTED by 58-C.Littleton [56-D.Fowler] at SF 35. 58-C.Littleton pushed ob at SF 7 for 28 yards (74-J.Staley). The Replay Off [WPA -5.5% · EPA -4.37]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q2 42:45) — (12:45) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short right intended for 13-R.James INTERCEPTED by 58-C.Littleton at SF 19. 58-C.Littleton for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -5.3% · EPA -6.04]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q1 52:43) — (7:43) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short right to 85-G.Kittle to LA 20 for 12 yards (21-A.Talib; 43-J.Johnson). [WPA +4.9% · EPA +3.20]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q1 51:28) — (6:28) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass deep right intended for 85-G.Kittle INTERCEPTED by 24-B.Countess (43-J.Johnson) [99-A.Donald] at LA -2. Touchback. [WPA -4.3% · EPA -4.93]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

  • San Francisco 49ers (Q1 58:19) — (13:19) 44-K.Juszczyk right end to LA 49 for no gain (26-M.Barron, 90-M.Brockers). FUMBLES (26-M.Barron), RECOVERED by LA-21-A.Talib at LA 46. 21-A.Talib to SF 7 for 47 yards (85-G.Kittle). [WPA -18.3% · EPA -7.87]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q2 42:45) — (12:45) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short right intended for 13-R.James INTERCEPTED by 58-C.Littleton at SF 19. 58-C.Littleton for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -5.3% · EPA -6.04]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q1 51:28) — (6:28) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass deep right intended for 85-G.Kittle INTERCEPTED by 24-B.Countess (43-J.Johnson) [99-A.Donald] at LA -2. Touchback. [WPA -4.3% · EPA -4.93]
  • San Francisco 49ers (Q1 56:10) — (11:10) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short right intended for 13-R.James INTERCEPTED by 58-C.Littleton [56-D.Fowler] at SF 35. 58-C.Littleton pushed ob at SF 7 for 28 yards (74-J.Staley). The Replay Off [WPA -5.5% · EPA -4.37]

Quarterback report card

N.Mullens led all passers in efficiency for San Francisco 49ers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • N.Mullens (San Francisco 49ers) · 40 dropbacks · 57.5% completion · +5.5% CPOE · +0.12 EPA/play · +4.99 total EPA
  • J.Goff (Los Angeles Rams) · 27 dropbacks · 55.6% completion · +2.1% CPOE · +0.59 EPA/play · +15.89 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

StatSan Francisco 49ersLos Angeles Rams
Offensive EPA/play+0.003+0.166
Offensive success rate43.4%53.8%
Pass EPA/play+0.125+0.571
Rush EPA/play-0.232-0.141
Defensive EPA/play-0.166-0.003
Defensive success rate46.2%56.6%

By the numbers

Los Angeles Rams held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.17 vs +0.00), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

  • Los Angeles Rams: 12 drives, +15.44 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
  • San Francisco 49ers: 12 drives, +0.25 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

  • Los Angeles Rams leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
  • J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
  • N. Mullens (SF) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

  1. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 57:03 · SF 3 · Score 0-6
    (12:03) 16-J.Goff pass short right to 12-B.Cooks for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 56:57 · SF 15 · Score 0-7
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  3. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q1 55:46 · SF 1 · Score 0-13
    (10:46) 35-C.Anderson up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q1 55:42 · SF 15 · Score 0-14
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  5. San Francisco 49ers FG (+3) — Q1 47:16 · LA 12 · Score 3-14
    (2:16) 9-R.Gould 30 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-40-C.Holba, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
  6. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 42:45 · LA 88 · Score 3-20
    (12:45) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short right intended for 13-R.James INTERCEPTED by 58-C.Littleton at SF 19. 58-C.Littleton for 19 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  7. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 42:37 · SF 15 · Score 3-21
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  8. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q2 36:09 · SF 18 · Score 3-27
    (6:09) (No Huddle) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 12-B.Cooks for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q2 36:00 · SF 15 · Score 3-28
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  10. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q2 32:10 · LA 9 · Score 9-28
    (2:10) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short left to 13-R.James for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q2 32:07 · LA 15 · Score 10-28
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-40-C.Holba, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
  12. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q2 30:03 · SF 10 · Score 10-31
    (:03) 4-G.Zuerlein 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  13. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 27:28 · SF 29 · Score 10-37
    (12:28) 16-J.Goff pass deep right to 83-J.Reynolds for 29 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 27:19 · SF 15 · Score 10-38
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  15. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q3 23:28 · LA 1 · Score 16-38
    (8:28) 76-G.Gilliam reported in as eligible. 46-A.Morris up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  16. San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q3 23:23 · LA 15 · Score 17-38
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-40-C.Holba, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
  17. Los Angeles Rams TD (+6) — Q3 18:05 · SF 2 · Score 17-44
    (3:05) 16-J.Goff pass short left to 83-J.Reynolds for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  18. Los Angeles Rams XP (+1) — Q3 17:58 · SF 15 · Score 17-45
    4-G.Zuerlein extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  19. Los Angeles Rams FG (+3) — Q4 11:49 · SF 33 · Score 17-48
    (11:49) 4-G.Zuerlein 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.McQuaide, Holder-6-J.Hekker.
  20. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q4 7:02 · LA 2 · Score 23-48
    (7:02) 4-N.Mullens pass short left to 84-K.Bourne for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on LA-23-N.Robey, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
  21. San Francisco 49ers XP (+1) — Q4 6:54 · LA 15 · Score 24-48
    9-R.Gould extra point is GOOD, Center-40-C.Holba, Holder-5-B.Pinion.
  22. San Francisco 49ers TD (+6) — Q4 2:30 · LA 43 · Score 30-48
    (2:30) (Shotgun) 4-N.Mullens pass short left to 85-G.Kittle for 43 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  23. San Francisco 49ers Safety (+2) — Q4 2:20 · LA 2 · Score 32-48
    (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-N.Mullens pass to 81-T.Taylor is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

Frequently asked questions

Who won San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams?

The Los Angeles Rams beat the San Francisco 49ers 48-32 in Week 17, 2018 on 2018-12-30.

What was the final score of San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams?

The final score was San Francisco 49ers 32, Los Angeles Rams 48 (SF 32-48 LA) in Week 17, 2018 on 2018-12-30.

What was the score by quarter in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams?

Q1: San Francisco 49ers 3, Los Angeles Rams 14; Q2: San Francisco 49ers 7, Los Angeles Rams 17; Q3: San Francisco 49ers 7, Los Angeles Rams 14; Q4: San Francisco 49ers 15, Los Angeles Rams 3; Final: San Francisco 49ers 32, Los Angeles Rams 48.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams?

Los Angeles Rams touchdown — B. Cooks (J. Goff pass) (Q1 57:03) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — C. Anderson (Q1 55:46) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — C. Littleton (Q2 42:45) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — B. Cooks (J. Goff pass) (Q2 36:09) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — R. James (N. Mullens pass) (Q2 32:10) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — J. Reynolds (J. Goff pass) (Q3 27:28) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — A. Morris (Q3 23:28) Los Angeles Rams touchdown — J. Reynolds (J. Goff pass) (Q3 18:05) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — K. Bourne (N. Mullens pass) (Q4 7:02) San Francisco 49ers touchdown — G. Kittle (N. Mullens pass) (Q4 2:30) San Francisco 49ers field goal — R. Gould (Q1 47:16, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q2 30:03, 3 pts) Los Angeles Rams field goal — G. Zuerlein (Q4 11:49, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams?

N. Mullens (San Francisco 49ers), 57.5% completion, +5.5% CPOE, +0.12 EPA per dropback, +4.99 total passing EPA. J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams), 55.6% completion, +2.1% CPOE, +0.59 EPA per dropback, +15.89 total passing EPA.

Who was the most impactful player in San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams?

J. Goff (Los Angeles Rams) led the game in total EPA with +15.89 on passing plays. across 27 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-7.87 EPA): (13:19) 44-K.Juszczyk right end to LA 49 for no gain (26-M.Barron, 90-M.Brockers). FUMBLES (26-M.Barron), RECOVERED by LA-21-A.Talib at LA 46. 21-A.Talib to SF 7 for 47 yards (85-G. The biggest win-probability swing was -18.3%.

Season records after this game

San Francisco 49ers

Entered 4-11 Now 4-12 L

Los Angeles Rams

Entered 12-3 Now 13-3 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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