WATCH: San Francisco 49ers clinch playoff berth with overtime interception
The San Francisco 49ers are headed to the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2019. After a comeback effort against the divisional rival Los Angeles Rams sent the game to overtime, a late interception sealed the win and helped clinch three playoff appearances for the NFC West.
Just minutes after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Arizona Cardinals to crown the Los Angeles Rams divisional champions regardless of the outcome, Matthew Stafford looked to put an exclamation point on the regular season. However, with a 27-24 lead, the 49ers’ key objective was to keep them out of the endzone over the final two minutes. A tie or win clinched their place and eliminated the New Orleans Saints.
On first-and-10 from the Rams 38-yard line, Stafford dropped back and threw a deep pass to wide receiver Odell Beckham. However, 49ers defensive back Ambry Thomas read the ball and made a catch along the sideline to seal the deal.
The 49ers will face the Dallas Cowboys on the road during the wildcard round of the NFL playoffs.
Deebo Samuel completes season hattrick
A touchdown pass was the only way San Francisco receiver Deebo Samuel hadn’t scored this season entering Sunday against the Rams. That would soon change, as Samuel found Jauan Jennings for a 24-yard score in the third quarter.
Not only was the touchdown pass an impressive milestone for Deebo Samuel, but it also tied the game at 17. It was the second score of the day for the third-year player, who also had a 16-yard run earlier in the quarter.
Ironically, the only way the receiver hasn’t scored Sunday is by catching a touchdown. Should he catch one before the game is over, he would become just the fourth player since the NFL merger in 1970 to achieve that unique form a hat trick.
Samuel has been used all over the field this season. With his touchdown run Sunday, he now has eight on the year, the most on the team. He is set to become the first receiver to lead his team in rushing touchdowns since the merger.
He entered the game with 320 yards rushing on the year. He also leads the 49ers in receiving with 1,310 yards and six touchdowns.
Having a role in the backfield is nothing new for Samuel. As a rookie in 2019, the South Carolina product scored three rushing touchdowns. He had seven rushing touchdowns with the Gamecocks, including six as a sophomore in 2016.
Samuel’s performance is a big part of the reason San Francisco made the playoffs this season.