SF 49ers: Deebo Samuel, defense grade out well vs. LA Rams

The SF 49ers pulled off a much-needed win over the LA Rams in Week 12, thanks largely to Deebo Samuel and the Niners defense.

It’s weird to think, but the SF 49ers are actually a better team when they have the majority of their best players available.

After going into their Week 11 bye following a three-game losing streak when a sizable chunk of the roster was on some sort of injury list, the Niners were more than happy to welcome back running back Raheem Mostert, cornerback Richard Sherman, running back Jeff Wilson Jr., offensive tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Deebo Samuel from various injury or reserve lists.

Each of those players ended up providing sizable contributions in San Francisco’s crucial 23-20 last-second win on the road over the LA Rams in Week 12.

Granted, the SF 49ers were fresh and prepared after coming off their bye, and the Rams were coming off a short week and a Week 11 road trip and win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.

But the Niners won. That’s all that matters.

In the greater picture, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad keeps its slim playoff hopes alive, and it’s notable with the 2-0 season series over Los Angeles. That could play a big role by the time playoff seeding is determined after Week 17, should San Francisco still be in the chase.

Fortunately, those returning players sure helped the chances for a postseason push, and their presence will help the SF 49ers stay in games to close out the rest of the regular season, too.

As far as the positional grades, it’s refreshing to take a look back after a win, which is what we get to do after Week 12.