The golden sun of California is about to set over a fiery clash in the NFC West. The NFL has officially confirmed that the San Francisco 49ers will host the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday, December 28, 2025, with kickoff set for 4:25 PM ET / 1:25 PM PT.
This isn’t just another divisional game — it’s California’s civil war of football. The Bay versus L.A. The dynasty versus the dreamers. Two proud franchises with rich histories and elite rosters will go head-to-head in what promises to be a spectacular late-season showdown filled with playoff drama, star power, and California sunshine.
🏈 Game Day Details
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Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025
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Kickoff Time: 4:25 PM ET / 1:25 PM PT
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Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
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Broadcast: FOX — America’s Game of the Week
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Teams: San Francisco 49ers (Home) vs. Los Angeles Rams (Visitors)
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Gates Open: 10:30 AM PT
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Parking Lots Open: 8:30 AM PT — expect the red and gold sea of the Faithful to take over early.
🎙 “It’s the ultimate California clash — sunshine, swagger, and serious playoff stakes,” said FOX’s Erin Andrews. “You can’t script a better Week 17 matchup.”
☀️ Weather Forecast: Perfect Football Under California Skies
If the East Coast fans are shivering through snow and sleet, Santa Clara will be basking in football perfection. Levi’s Stadium, famous for its wide-open design and sparkling daylight, is expected to host clear skies and ideal playing conditions throughout the game.
Game Day Forecast:
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Temperature at Kickoff: 68°F (20°C)
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High: 71°F (22°C)
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Low: 55°F (13°C)
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Sky: Mostly sunny with scattered light clouds
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Wind: Gentle breeze, 5–7 mph from the northwest
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Humidity: 45%
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Field Conditions: Dry, fast turf — great for big plays and long runs.
🌤 “It’s hard to find a better football environment in late December,” said NFL meteorologist Lisa Rizzo. “Fans can expect sunshine, blue skies, and an electric atmosphere — classic California football.”
⚡ Game Preview: A Rivalry Renewed
San Francisco 49ers: Red Hot and Relentless
The 49ers are on a mission — not just to win the division, but to reclaim dominance across the NFL. With quarterback Brock Purdy continuing his storybook rise and Christian McCaffrey running wild, this offense has been a nightmare for defenses all year. Add in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, and you have a lineup capable of turning any play into a highlight reel.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has crafted a machine of precision and power — an offense built on motion, deception, and relentless execution. On defense, the 49ers are loaded with stars. Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Dre Greenlaw form the spine of one of the NFL’s most feared units.
💬 “We play with speed, we play with violence, and we play for this city,” said Bosa. “Every time we see the Rams, it’s personal.”
The 49ers have dominated the regular-season series in recent years, but the Rams always bring out their fiercest fire when San Francisco is across the line.
Los Angeles Rams: The Rebuilt Contenders
Don’t let the glitz of Hollywood fool you — this Rams team is gritty, focused, and hungry. Head coach Sean McVay has masterfully retooled his squad, blending young energy with veteran experience.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford remains one of the league’s most fearless gunslingers, while Puka Nacua has become a breakout sensation — rewriting rookie receiving records and giving Rams fans a new superstar to believe in. Add the consistent presence of Cooper Kupp, and this passing game can explode at any moment.
Defensively, the Rams are led by Aaron Donald, the face of power and precision. Even as a veteran, Donald continues to disrupt every play, every pocket, every quarterback dream.
🗣 “The 49ers bring the heat — we’ll bring the fire,” said Donald. “You don’t back down in this rivalry. You embrace it.”
🏟 Atmosphere: Levi’s Stadium Set to Ignite
Few sights in football rival Levi’s Stadium on a Sunday afternoon. The red-and-gold crowd radiates energy, and with playoff stakes on the line, expect the atmosphere to reach championship levels.
What to Expect on Game Day:
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A Sea of Red: 70,000+ fans waving towels and chanting “Let’s Go Niners!” from the opening whistle.
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California Sunshine Meets Chaos: The crowd roaring, the band playing, and tension in every snap.
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Rival Fans Collide: Expect pockets of blue and yellow Rams supporters — and plenty of trash talk.
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Sunset Spectacle: The second half will unfold beneath a glowing orange Bay Area sunset — the perfect backdrop for late-game drama.
🎙 “When the Niners play the Rams, it’s not just football — it’s a statement,” said ESPN’s Laura Rutledge. “The emotion, the energy, the pride — it’s all turned up to eleven.”
🔥 Key Matchups to Watch
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Nick Bosa vs. Matthew Stafford: Can Stafford stay upright long enough to make magic?
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Christian McCaffrey vs. Rams Front Seven: The league’s most versatile back meets Donald’s wall of steel.
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Puka Nacua vs. Charvarius Ward: The rookie phenom gets his toughest test yet.
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Deebo Samuel vs. Rams Secondary: Expect fireworks every time he touches the ball.
⚡ “This game won’t be polite — it’s going to be fast, physical, and emotional,” said Troy Aikman. “Every drive will feel like a playoff possession.”
🌅 Game Outlook: Sunshine, Showdowns, and Statewide Pride
Both teams are in the hunt for playoff glory, and neither can afford to blink. The 49ers will try to control the game with their run-first approach and suffocating defense, while the Rams will look to strike quick through the air and keep San Francisco guessing.
This game could come down to one possession, one mistake, one moment of brilliance. Whether it’s McCaffrey’s elusiveness, Stafford’s deep bomb, or Bosa’s late-game sack, expect a thriller that defines the NFC West race.
🏆 “California football isn’t about flash — it’s about fight,” said Kyle Shanahan. “And we’re ready to fight for every inch.”
✅ Final Word
Sunday, December 28, 2025 — 4:25 PM ET / 1:25 PM PT — Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.
The Bay will burn bright with passion as two of the NFC’s fiercest rivals meet again.
The 49ers, dominant and determined, ready to defend their turf.
The Rams, daring and defiant, ready to crash the party.