The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 24-9 on November 1, 2026, at SoFi Stadium, recovering from a scoreless first half to secure their second consecutive win and move to 4-4 on the season while dropping the Chargers to 0-7.
Trent McDuffie and Blake Corum Spark Second-Half Surge at SoFi Stadium
For the opening 28 minutes of the Week 8 crosstown matchup, the Rams’ offense looked broken, failing to record a single first down until late in the second quarter. The Chargers capitalized early with three consecutive field-goal drives from Cameron Dicker, taking a 9-3 lead before the tide turned just before halftime.
TRENT MCDUFFIE GETS THE INTERCEPTION!!! pic.twitter.com/fL76UQeGSE
Matthew Stafford connected with Tutu Atwell for a 40-yard gain to secure the team’s first first-down conversion, setting up Kyren Williams’ touchdown run with 19 seconds left in the half to put the Rams ahead 10-9. Returning to the lineup after a two-game absence, cornerback Trent McDuffie intercepted Justin Herbert in the third quarter and returned it 26 yards, setting up Blake Corum’s 23-yard touchdown run that padded the lead.
Justin Herbert and Chargers Stumble in the Red Zone
Never before during the tenure of Sean McVay had the Rams failed to pick up a single first down across their first five offensive series until Sunday’s game. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game. Throughout the Sean McVay era, Sunday marked an unprecedented start as the Rams went through their initial five offensive possessions without managing a first down. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game. For the first time since Sean McVay took over, the Rams opened a contest by failing to secure a first down on any of their first five offensive drives on Sunday. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game. Sunday saw the Rams open a game without a first down across their first five offensive possessions for the initial time under Sean McVay. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game. In the Sean McVay era, Sunday was the first occasion where the Rams failed to gain a first down on their first five offensive series. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game. Sunday brought a first-of-its-kind start under Sean McVay, with the Rams going through their opening five offensive possessions without recording a first down. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game. Under Sean McVay, the Rams had never previously opened a game without earning a first down on their first five offensive series until Sunday. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game. Sunday represented the initial instance in the Sean McVay era where the Rams did not manage a first down on their first five offensive drives. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game. Sunday marked the first instance during Sean McVay’s tenure that the Rams went through their opening five offensive series without picking up a first down. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game. Prior to Sunday, the Rams under Sean McVay had never gone their first five offensive drives without recording a first down. The Rams had 14 yards on their first five drives of the game.
Despite finishing with a season-high 257 passing yards, Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense failed to score a touchdown for the second consecutive week. The unit squandered multiple short fields, including four drives starting at the 40-yard line or better that yielded just three total points.
We’ve got to get touchdowns, that’s how we’re going to win games. That’s the big thing, just making sure when we get down there, we’re in positive position. We got to finish.
Joe Alt, offensive lineman via Chargers.com
Head coach Jim Harbaugh’s squad dropped to 0-7 on the season, held to 295 total yards by a Rams defense that registered three tackles for loss and allowed just 2.6 yards per carry. Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel retained his position following the bye week, but the unit has now gone nine quarters without a touchdown.
Puka Nacua Carries Passing Attack as Trade Deadline Looms
Matthew Stafford finished with 157 passing yards on 17-of-25 passing, relying heavily on Puka Nacua, who caught 11 of his 12 targets for 80 yards and a late touchdown on a back-side screen. No other Rams receiver caught more than two passes, highlighting an ongoing need for wide receiver help following injuries and personnel shifts.
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blake Corum | 11 | 73 | 6.6 | 1 |
| Kyren Williams | 16 | 56 | 3.5 | 1 |
The ground game offset the passing limitations. Corum averaged 6.6 yards per carry en route to 73 yards, while Williams added 56 yards on 16 attempts. Defensively, Josaiah Stewart recorded six tackles, one sack, and two tackles for loss filling in for Myles Garrett.
What Lies Ahead for Both Los Angeles Teams
The Rams sit at 4-4, occupying third place in the NFC West behind San Francisco and Seattle as they prepare to travel to Washington to face the Commanders. Sean McVay’s team must clean up its early-game execution before facing stiffer competition.
Meanwhile, the winless Chargers host the Houston Texans searching for their first victory of the 2026 campaign.