The 4-0 49ers head down to Los Angeles to take on the 3-2 Rams for the biggest game between these two teams since the early 2000s. Sunday will mark the first time since Week 13 of the 2001 season that the 49ers and Rams have had a winning record when they’ve played each other.
The 49ers are looking to stay undefeated while the Rams are trying to end a two-game losing streak. Here are the three matchups that will decide Sunday’s game:
Nick Bosa vs. Andrew Whitworth
Week 5 was Bosa’s most impressive outing of the season. The rookie pass rusher finished with two sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, two tackles for loss and five quarterback hits. He also played his highest percentage of snaps, getting in on 37 of the Browns’ 46 offensive plays. Now that Bosa is fully healthy, his time on the field will increase and that could lead to more production.
The Rams offensive line has struggled protecting Jared Goff. They’re last in pass block efficiency according to Pro Football Focus. Bosa will be lined up against left tackle Andrew Whitworth – the best player on the Rams’ offensive front. Whitworth is the highest-graded lineman on the Rams according to PFF with an even 70.
The combination of the play from the 49ers’ pass rush, the poor play of the Rams offensive line, and Goff’s turnover percentage could be a huge factor Sunday. If Bosa can create pressure with Whitworth in front of him, look for some takeaways for the 49ers.
K’waun Williams vs Cooper Kupp
Williams has been solid in the 49ers’ secondary this season as the slot corner. He’s tied for the team lead in interceptions with two, but he’s allowed seven receptions on 12 targets. Despite the high reception rate, Williams has an 87.0 PFF grade, which puts him in the Pro Bowler category on their scale.
He may have his toughest test of the season when Rams WR Cooper Kupp is deployed in the slot. Kupp is in the top five in the NFL in receptions, targets, and yards through five weeks. Of his 505 yards this season, 395 of them have come from the slot – 67 more than the next closest receiver.
Whether the 49ers’ pass rush gets home or not, Goff will look often towards Kupp in all three levels of the passing game. Williams will have to perform like a Pro Bowl caliber corner to prevent a big day from the receiver.
Weston Richburg vs. Aaron Donald
Richburg has been valuable at center for the 49ers this season. He hasn’t allowed a sack and has created plenty of holes for the running game to be as successful as it has. His biggest role Sunday will be providing help for both Laken Tomlinson and Mike Person.
Why does Richburg need to be a help blocker? Lining up on the other side is the best defensive player in the league, Aaron Donald. Donald only has one sack on the season, but he’s still been able to create havoc as a pass rusher. The 49ers will likely need to double him throughout the game and limit his chances to get to Jimmy Garoppolo.
With Clay Matthews out, Donald and Dante Fowler will lead the pass rush for Los Angeles. Donald is the one who controls the flow for the Rams’ . entire defense. It’ll be a long day for the 49ers’ offense if he’s constantly getting to Garoppolo and blowing up the run game. It’ll be on Richburg to ensure that his work up front will be enough to keep Donald neutralized.
