It’s a battle at the bottom of the NFC West this weekend in this San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams game. That’s probably not something you had on your bingo card as the season opened. These two teams were the favorites to take home the division crown, and it’s still plenty early but this isn’t where either team expected to be after Week 2 of the season. Let’s dive a little deeper and check out this 49ers-Rams preview.
For the visiting 49ers, Week 1 went off without a hitch. Aaron Rodgers and company came to town and San Francisco took care of business. Even down Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason looked like All-Pro and the defending NFC champions were off and running. Then in Week 2 it was a wake-up call from Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings who took care of business and left the 49ers stunned. McCaffery remains on the IR, and Deebo Samuel joins him as unlikely to play. George Kittle popped up on the injury report with a hamstring as well and of course, their rookie first-round pick Ricky Pearsall was shot just before the season.
The Los Angeles Rams look more like they are walking wounded right now. Cooper Kupp is out in Week 3 and likely headed for an injured reserve stint. His running mate Puka Nacua has already landed on IR. The Rams have five offensive linemen on the IR already including Joe Noteboom and Jonah Jackson. Tight end Tyler Higbee hasn’t returned from his injury late last season, and a load of other Rams are on the injury report. Times are tough in Los Angeles.
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San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams Preview and Predictions
Jauan Jennings 50+ Receiving Yards (+135)
With Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffery out and Ricky Pearsall still on IR from the shooting, and now George Kittle is banged up. Jauan Jennings has been the next man up for the 49ers. In Week 1 he was targeted five times, catching all five passes for 64 yards against the Jets. In Week 2 against the Vikings, he saw another four targets. While he only caught two of those targets, he made the most of them going for 37 receiving yards. The 49ers have owned the Rams in recent years and there’s no reason to think that doesn’t continue this weekend. Jennings should see plenty of action and it may only take three catches for him to surpass this total.
San Francisco 49ers -6 (-120)
The 49ers are 9-1 against the Rams over the last five years, Kyle Shanahan has thoroughly dominated his former teacher Sean McVay. Furthermore, San Francisco has been a covering machine against the Rams. Over the last nine meetings, the 49ers are 7-2 against the spread when they play the Rams. This is the perfect get-right spot for San Francisco. Coming off an embarrassing loss, facing a rival you’ve owned for years, and that team is beaten up beyond belief when it comes to injuries. San Francisco is going to look to roll the Rams early, often in this one, and right the ship on their way to 2-1.
