Rams defeat 49ers to extend their winning streak to four games

FATHER CLARÉE — In any other match, this would have been an opportunity for a rout.

A walkover. A compelling response to an earlier defeat.

But it’s the Rams and the San Francisco 49ers.

Specifically, Rams coach Sean McVay and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan.

Close games are the rule, not the exception.

So the Rams’ three-touchdown lead early in the second quarter Sunday at Levi’s Stadium was no comfort.

The 49ers got as close as seven points before the Rams pulled away for a 42-26 victory that extended their winning streak to four games.

Matthew Stafford passed for four touchdowns, Kyren Williams ran for two and linebacker Nate Landman forced another fumble and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. intercepted a pass for the second straight game as the Rams improved to 7-2 overall and 1-1 in the NFC West.

After beating the Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints and 49ers, the Rams will play with confidence when they host the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday in an NFC West game at SoFi Stadium.

Stafford continued his MVP-level play, throwing touchdown passes to receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and tight ends Davis Allen and Colby Parkinson as the Rams avenged their 26-23 overtime loss to the 49ers in Week 5.

Stafford, who completed 24 of 36 passes for 280 yards, threw for a league-best 25 touchdowns, with just two interceptions. Stafford has thrown 13 touchdowns in the last three games and hasn’t had a pass intercepted in six games, the longest streak without a turnover in his 17-year career.

Nacua returned from a rib injury that sidelined him for part of the Rams’ win over the New Orleans Saints and caught five passes for 64 yards.

Adams, who grew up not far from the stadium in East Palo Alto, injured his back in the second half and did not return. But the three-time All-Pro caught six passes for 77 yards and continued his stellar play in the red zone with his sixth touchdown in the last three games.

Williams, who rushed for more than 100 yards against the Saints, gained 73 on Sunday, while Blake Corum added 56.

Landman continued his mastery of hitting the ball out of opponents’ grasp. The fumble he forced in the first quarter led to a touchdown. And Forbes’ fourth-quarter interception led to the Rams’ final touchdown.

The Rams’ tough kicking game also went error-free.

Kicker Harrison Mavis, who replaced Joshua Karty, did not attempt a field goal, but he made all six of his extra-point attempts in a kicking operation that now includes veteran long snapper Jake McQuaide.

On Sunday, the Rams also continued their trend of fast starts.

They led 21-0 early in the second quarter thanks to Williams’ short touchdown run and Stafford’s touchdown passes to Nacua and Allen.

With about three minutes left in the first half, Mac Jones’ short touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings cut the lead to 14 points.

The 49ers cut it to seven early in the third quarter thanks to Brian Robinson Jr.’s short touchdown pass. But the Rams responded with a drive that ended with a short touchdown pass from Stafford to Adams.

The 49ers kept the pressure on with a fourth-quarter touchdown run by tight end Luke Farrell, but Jared Verse blocked the extra point attempt to preserve the Rams’ eight-point lead.

The Rams responded with Williams’ second touchdown pass with about 10 minutes remaining, and Forbes’ interception set up Stafford’s touchdown pass to Parkinson.

The 49ers added a late touchdown run by tight end George Kittle.

Landman, safety Quentin Lake and linebacker Omar Speights had 11 tackles for the Rams.