Kittle Breaks Record in 49ers Season Finale Loss to Rams
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LOS ANGELES – The 49ers have a lot of ground to gain if they hope to give any kind of challenge to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC West next season.
The Rams on Sunday completed their domination of the 49ers this season with a 48-32 victory to wrap up the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs.
The 49ers lost to the Rams, 39-10, on Oct. 21 at Levi’s Stadium. Los Angeles forced four turnovers in that game. The Rams got off to a big lead on Sunday, as the 49ers committed turnovers on four of their first five possessions.
The one bright spot in the loss was George Kittle making NFL history by setting the single-season record for receiving yardage by a tight end. Kittle finished the season with 88 catches for 1,377 yards and five touchdowns.
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Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 and San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Elijah Lee #47 tackle Los Angeles Rams running back C.J. Anderson #35 during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 and San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Elijah Lee #47 tackle Los Angeles Rams running back C.J. Anderson #35 during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle #85 looks on as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Blake Countess #24 intercepts a pass during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Los Angeles Rams inside linebacker Mark Barron #26 hits San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens #4 during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Josh Reynolds #83 eludes San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman #25 during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
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Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers pitches the ball to Jeff Wilson #41 during their NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California.
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Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Chicago Bears during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California.
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Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California.
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Robbie Gould #9 of the San Francisco 49ers kicks a fieldgoal against the Chicago Bears during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California.
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Adam Shaheen #87 of the Chicago Bears is unable to make a catch in the endzone against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Santa Clara, California.
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Robbie Gould #9 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after kicking the game winning field goal in overtime against the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Garrett Celek #88 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers is upended after a catch by Shaquill Griffin #26 of the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Richie James #13 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after returning a kickoff for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks catches a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring on a one-yard catch against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos during the game at Levi's Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
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Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts a pass against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers misses a tackle of former teammate Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
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Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches the ball for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
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Rashaad Penny #20 of the Seattle Seahawks runs the ball in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks avoids a tackle in the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers hugs Doug Baldwin #81 of the Seattle Seahawks before the game at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
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Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers hugs Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks during pre-game warmups at CenturyLink Field on December 2, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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Running back Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pushes up the middle for a gain of two in the fourth quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
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Quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers passes under pressure from defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
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Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hauls in a 42-yard pass from quarterback Jameis Winston #3 in the first quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
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Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a 13-yard pass for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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Nick Mullens #4 passes the ball off to Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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K'Waun Williams #24 of the San Francisco 49ers dives for a tipped ball against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers throws the ball under pressure from Lorenzo Carter #59 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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A San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush cheerleader kneels during the national anthem prior to the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes with the ball against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders is sacked by Cassius Marsh #54 and Dekoda Watson #97 of the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Nick Mullens #4 after a 24-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during warm up prior to their game against the Oakland Raiders at Levi's Stadium on November 1, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
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Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit out of bounds during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Linebacker Haason Reddick #43 of the Arizona Cardinals tackles quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Running back Alfred Morris #46 of the San Francisco 49ers runs during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Defensive tackle Sheldon Day #96 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a 55-yard touchdown during the third quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers defends wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald #11 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Running back Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers slips past linebacker Josh Bynes #57 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Defensive end Benson Mayowa #91 and defensive end Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals tackle quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a touchdown in the endzone against Nickell Robey-Coleman #23 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers dives for a first down against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Todd Gurley #30 of the Los Angeles Rams dives for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers dives on a fumbled snap against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit as he throws by Samson Ebukam #50 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers sacks Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Ty Montgomery #88 of the Green Bay Packers rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers speaks with officials during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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Lance Kendricks #84 of the Green Bay Packers runs with the ball against Adrian Colbert #27, Earl Mitchell #90 and Fred Warner #48 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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George Kittle #85, Matt Breida #22 and Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes with the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals runs for a 75-yard touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers lays in the turf after being injured on a play against the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a five-yard touchdown pass to Matt Breida #22 during their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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A view of pregame ceremonies prior to the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
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Wide receiver Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers is taken down and injured on the play by outside linebacker Jatavis Brown #57 and defensive back Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
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Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers gets set to throw in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
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Defensive back Antone Exum #38 of the San Francisco 49ers dodges wide receiver Keenan Allen #13 of the Los Angeles Chargers to score a touchdown in the first quarter at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Wide receiver Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers catches a first down pass in front of defensive back K'Waun Williams #24 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers makes an incomplete pass in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers and the team training staff examine quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 on the sideline after being hurt on a play during the fourth quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers checks on injured teammate Jimmy Garoppolo #10 after a play in the fourth quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes plants on his left leg at the sideline on a play in which he would be injured during the fourth quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers crosses the goal line for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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Sammy Watkins #14 of the Kansas City Chiefs crosses the goal line for a touchdown against Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
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Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs pump fakes on a run in front of Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a quick pass to teammate Matt Breida #22 during the second quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a shoestring tackle on Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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Kyle Juszczyk #44 of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown after a pass reception during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
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Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers hands off to Matt Breida #22 during the second quarter of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
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Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
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Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws on the run for a touchdown with Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers in pursuit during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on September 23rd, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks away from the line in route to running for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions is sacked by Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Garrett Celek #88 of the San Francisco 49ers fights his way into the endzone for a touchdown carrying Glover Quin #27, Darius Slay #23 and Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions during the third quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Cassius Marsh #54 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he recovered a fumble by Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers runs in for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Robbie Gould #9 of the San Francisco 49ers kicks a forty five yard field goal against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions dives in for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
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Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked with the ball by DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings passes the ball to Dalvin Cook #33 in the first quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
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Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to hand off the ball in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in the first quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
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Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after recovering a fumble in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles the ball in the second quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown over defender Jaquiski Tartt #29 of the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
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Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers catches the ball for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass the ball in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Here are three takeaways from Sunday’s game:
Niners set records for futility: The biggest takeaway from the 49ers’ season was, well, their lack of takeaways.
In fact, their futility in that area was historic.
The 49ers set the NFL record for fewest takeaways in a season with just seven forced turnovers. The record prior to this season was 11, shared by Baltimore (1982), Houston (2013), Dallas (2015) and Chicago (2016).
The 49ers also set the record for fewest interceptions in a season with two. The previous record-low was three, set by the Houston Oilers in the nine-game strike-shortened season of 1982.
Antone Exum and Jaquiski Tartt had the 49ers’ only interceptions. It was the first time in Richard Sherman’s eight-year career he did not record an interception.
No team in the NFL was more generous than the 49ers this season. They entered the season finale with a minus-21 turnover margin. And they added impressively to their league-worst total in the opening minutes of Sunday’s game.
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk made the poor decision to reach the ball out on a third-and-1 play on the 49ers’ first series of the game. Mark Barron stripped the ball, and Aqib Talib it up and returned it 47 yards.
Quarterback Nick Mullens threw three first-half interceptions, including a pick-six to Rams linebacker Cory Littleton.
Mullens’ first interception came when he was hit as he was throwing. The other came when safety John Johnson deflected a pass in the end zone that was intended for George Kittle. Rams safety Blake Countess made the interception.
Solidifying draft position: The 49ers enter the offseason with their biggest needs being two edge rushers to get after the quarterback on nickel situations.
The 49ers are well-positioned to add some upgrades, beginning in free agency in March and, then, during the draft.
The organization is expected to have in the neighborhood of $70 million salary cap space. They wrapped up the No. 2 overall draft pick with their loss to the Rams on Sunday.
Former Ohio State star Nick Bosa and Josh Allen of Kentucky could be among the options with the No. 2 overall pick. The Cardinals own the top overall selection.
The 49ers will pick ahead of the New York Jets in the first round because of the strength-of-schedule tiebreaker. The 49ers played a weaker schedule to give the tiebreaker edge over the Jets.
Building depth at running back: The 49ers had to use every bit of their depth at running back this season, and they appear to be in good position for next season – if they remain healthier than they did this season.
Their leading rusher on Sunday was veteran Alfred Morris, who is not likely to return next season. Morris carried 16 times for 111 yards on Sunday against the Rams.
Morris signed with the 49ers after the club experienced a rash of injuries during training camp. But he ended up being No. 5 in the pecking order after starting the first game of the season.
Morris was back in the lead-back role on Sunday in the season finale. Matt Breida went on injured reserve Saturday with an ankle injury. Rookie Jeff Wilson Jr. made his second start of the season, but he lasted three carries on Sunday before exiting with a shoulder injury.
Jerick McKinnon, Breida, Wilson and Raheem Mostert ended the season injured, but each is expected back next season. Mostert was the team’s best special-teams player before getting his opportunity on offense and proving himself. Mostert’s season ended in Week 9 with a fractured forearm.
