Matthew Stafford made NFL history several times this season, moving into the top 10 in career passing yards, completions and touchdowns.

The Rams’ quarterback won’t be chasing a record Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers, but he could reach some sort of personal milestone.

Stafford failed to intercept a single pass in his last four games, a streak he accomplished only four times in his 16-year career.

But he never extended that efficiency to five games.

The Rams could use another flawless performance from Stafford in their NFC West matchup against the 49ers, which equates to a playoff game for both teams.

The Seattle Seahawks (8-5) lead the division and the Rams (7-6) are in second place. The Rams play the 49ers (6-7), the New York Jets (3-10) and then finish the season with home games against the Arizona Cardinals (6-7) and Seahawks.

“I’m just trying to keep our team in the game as much as possible, be as disciplined as possible while also being aggressive and giving our guys opportunities to make plays,” Stafford said Tuesday of his recent performance, ” because they’re doing a great job.” That’s a task for me at the moment.”

Stafford has passed for 19 touchdowns with seven interceptions for a Rams team that is above .500 for the first time but has yet to win three straight games.

Last season, when the Rams advanced to the playoffs last season, Stafford went four games without an interception. He managed ten touchdowns during a stretch that included a win over the Cleveland Browns, a loss to the Baltimore Ravens and victories over the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints.

During his current streak – a win over the New England Patriots, a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and wins over the Saints and Buffalo Bills – Stafford has scored 10 touchdowns.

Last Sunday, Stafford rushed for a season-best 320 yards and two touchdowns in a 44-42 victory over the Bills.

Does it feel like nothing can go wrong when you’re playing in a groove like that?

“No,” Stafford said. “I think sometimes you just feel like you’re seeing it great, you’re throwing the ball great and the guys are doing a great job of getting open.”

Sometimes when a quarterback is aggressive, passes are tipped or other mishaps beyond his control result in interceptions.

“Sometimes good luck is bad luck,” he said.

But the Rams don’t want Stafford to play it safe.

“We have so much confidence in him,” offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said. “Even if he makes a turnover or a mistake, he says, ‘Okay, make the next play and be like Matthew Stafford.’

“Continue to be aggressive. Keep attacking. Just don’t be careless. And he’s not.”

Prior to this season, it was Stafford’s fourth with the Rams, his only win over the 49ers under coach Sean McVay coming in the 2022 NFC Championship Game. Stafford and other starters missed the final Week 18 win of the season over the 49ers.

But in Week 3 this season, Stafford completed 16 of 25 passes for 221 yards and a touchdown in a 27-24 win over the 49ers at SoFi Stadium.

Now he has the chance to make it.

It won’t be easy against a 49ers team that remains in the hunt despite injuries that have sidelined several star players, including running back Christian McCaffrey, defensive end Nick Bosa and left tackle Trent Williams.

“No matter what really happened in terms of the progression of the injuries, they’re going to be ready to play,” McVay said, “and we’re going to do our best to get our guys ready to play, and that will be one.” great challenge and opportunity.”

Former Rams edge rusher Leonard Floyd had a team-best 8½ sacks on a 49ers defense that intercepted 11 passes, and could welcome the return of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who was in the Super Bowl last season. suffered a knee injury in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 49ers collected seven sacks in a 38-13 win over the Chicago Bears last Sunday.

So Stafford will need the offensive line to continue his solid play – Stafford wasn’t sacked against the Bills.

The line also cleared the way for Kyren Williams for two touchdowns and receiver Puka Nacua for another.

Now the Rams have the opportunity to build on their recent success.

“The work we have put into the practice field and meeting rooms over the last few weeks is starting to show,” he said. “And then it’s also a plus for us to simply have people back and ensure some continuity.”