With playmakers on both sides of ball, undefeated 49ers look primed for another playoff run

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Good teams find a way to win no matter the location or circumstance. The San Francisco 49ers have proven over the first two weeks that they are among the elite in the NFL.

Playing on the road for the second consecutive week, the 49ers upended the Los Angeles Rams 30-23 in front of a partial San Francisco crowd at SoFi Stadium.

Sunday’s NFC West battle was a lot closer than many expected. The game was tied 17-17 at halftime, but the 49ers separated from Los Angeles in the second half thanks to two interceptions and timely offense from their playmakers.

The 49ers have now won nine consecutive regular-season games versus the Rams.

“It’s a division opponent. We see them twice a year. It’s always been a tough battle for us every single time we play those guys,” 49ers linebacker Fred Warner said. “People want to talk about our record against them in the regular season. It’s always a hard-fought battle just like that game was today. They know us (and) we know them.”

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The 49ers have started 2-0 in two of the past three seasons.

But what makes the 49ers so unique from other NFL squads is they aren’t reliant on superb performances from their quarterback.

Brock Purdy was 17 of 25 passing for 206 yards. The second-year QB managed Sunday’s game; He didn’t throw a touchdown pass, but most importantly, he didn’t commit a turnover.

“The main thing he did (Sunday) was protect the ball,”49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said of Purdy. “He took care of the football and didn’t give them a chance to touch it.”

The 49ers have a team full of playmakers on both sides of the ball. Running back Christian McCaffrey produced 116 rushing yards and a touchdown and wide receiver Deebo Samuel registered 101 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in Sunday's victory.

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Last week, it was wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk who tallied eight catches, 129 yards and two touchdowns. Plus there’s tight end George Kittle who has over 400 career receptions in the 49ers uniform.

“Just look at the guys that we got at the skill positions, our wide receivers, our running backs and tight ends, they are all playmakers. Not only are they playmakers, they are really smart players. They make a difference for us,” 49ers left tackle Trent Williams told USA TODAY Sports. “I got to be careful to make sure I’m not watching too much. It’s exciting to see those guys in the open field. Those guys are some of the best in the world at what they do. Anytime we know we can get those guys space, we know they are gonna be tough for the defense.”

On defense, reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa had a relatively quiet outing (two tackles and three QB hits), but his teammates made game-changing plays versus the Rams. Cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir and Isaiah Oliver each had interceptions. Linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner combined for 23 tackles, one sack and two pass deflections.

Kicker Jake Moody went 3-for-3 on field goals in Week 2, including a 57-yarder that sliced between the uprights.

The 49ers play complementary football at its finest. Their performance on Sunday underscored it. That’s why San Francisco is 2-0 through the first two weeks this year. And after back-to-back NFC Championship game appearances, their Super Bowl window is still wide open.   

“It’s a few 2-0 teams. It’s a long way to go,” Williams said. “We’re not looking to make a statement. I think we’re looking to play at our full potential and not give any teams any games that could comeback and hunt us later in the year.”

The 49ers have the look of a team that will be playing football well into January and possibly February.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.