The Rams and 49ers clash on Sunday afternoon. (Photo credit: The Los Angeles Rams).
The San Francisco 49ers went into their bye week with three straight losses, falling at Seattle, losing at home to Green Bay and then losing in New Orleans. Given the host of injuries that has hit the 49ers’ roster, the team had earned a week off, and having several starters return, including Deebo Samuel, should help the team down the stretch. Their first game after the bye is a visit to Los Angeles to take on the Rams in an attempt to complete the season sweep.
The teams met on October 18, with the 49ers winning by eight. Since then, the Rams have gone 3-1, beating Chicago, Seattle and Tampa Bay while losing at Miami. Let’s take a closer look at this NFC West showdown.
The current betting line at Jazz Sports has the Rams at -7.
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams (November 29)
When: Sunday, November 29, 4:05 pm ET
Where: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
TV: FOX
Radio: KNBR 680 AM San Francisco / KSPN 710 AM Los Angeles
JAZZ Sports Odds: Rams -7 / Total 44.5*
Why the 49ers Will Win
Quarterback Nick Mullens has shown flashes of brilliance in relief of Jimmy Garoppolo, but overall he has a 6:6 TD:INT ratio, which does not speak well for ball security. However, the offensive line has been part of the problem in terms of the 49ers’ injuries this season. The key for San Francisco involves balancing the run and the pass, and the fact that the 49ers have opened the Injured Reserve practice window for tailbacks Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson is good news for the offense. Mostert injured an ankle in Week 6, and Wilson hurt his ankle a week later. Tevin Coleman (knee) could also return in Week 12, giving the 49ers a full fleet of running backs.
The defense remains a work in progress, as Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas remain out due to ACL tears that ended their seasons, leaving the pass rush undermanned. The 49ers will need to get pressure on Jared Goff if San Francisco is to have a chance to beat the Rams on the road.
Why the Rams Will Win
Jared Goff threw for 376 yards and three touchdowns in the Rams’ 27-24 win at Tampa Bay on Monday night – but he also threw two interceptions, as he struggled with decision-making at times when the Buccaneers were able to get pressure on him. Safety Jordan Fuller was able to grab a pair of interceptions for the Rams, including a play on a deep ball late in the fourth quarter.
Cooper Kupp had a huge game, catching 11 balls for 145 yards, and Robert Woods had a dozen catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers will need to do a better job in the pass rush and secondary than Tampa Bay did to keep in this game on Sunday.
The Final Word
I was surprised when San Francisco won the first meeting between these two teams, and the Rams have plenty of motivation to level the season series at home. The Rams are doing well rushing the passer and bottling up running games, so the opportunity is there for them to deliver an emphatic victory. I like the Rams to pick up a convincing win to move to 8-3.
Click here for the latest NFL betting odds.
*Odds are subject to change.
