Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

For the San Francisco 49ers, who host the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium on Thursday evening, every game has become a must-win game. The 49ers treat every game as a playoff contest and are aware that one more loss could seal their fate – elimination from the playoffs.

With a score of 6:7, the team is in one of the most precarious situations in recent years. However, general manager John Lynch remains confident that his team can rise to the challenge, having experienced it before. While it will be difficult to prevail – and their playoff chances will likely require help from other teams – the 49ers remain focused on moving things forward one game at a time.

Lynch admits the Rams pose a “big challenge,” but he knows the 49ers will have to find a way to prevail if they want to keep their season alive.

“And then we can take care of the bigger picture by just taking them as they come,” Lynch told NBC Sports Bay Area this week. “But we have responded well in the past when our backs are against the wall, I think, because we are talented, we are proud and we have a lot of people with strong football character and high character in general.”

“So when your back is against the wall, there’s usually a real quality response.”

Key to victory against the Rams

When asked what the 49ers need to do to secure a win on Thursday night, Lynch emphasized the importance of finishing games – an area where the team has struggled this season.

“Against (Rams QB Matthew) Stafford, you can never feel like you have a game over,” Lynch said. “He’s one of those people you have to play against until the last second is up. And I think you have to match the physicality and beat them. They are a physical team. You play right. We are proud of ourselves.

The 49ers are no strangers to high-risk football, and Lynch’s faith in his team’s resilience will be tested Thursday night in front of what will hopefully be a loud and passionate crowd at Levi’s Stadium.

“So it should be a great duel,” Lynch added. “We are playing for our playoff lives. We have to keep playing with great urgency.”