The Rams’ playoff chances are on life support after getting blown out by the Cowboys, needing to win out and get help in the final two weeks of the season. Up next is San Francisco, which beat the Rams 20-7 in Week 6, limiting Jared Goff to only 78 yards passing.
Sean McVay has never lost to the same team twice in a season, and he’ll try to avoid that happening this weekend. The Rams have the talent to beat the 49ers, who were just upset by the Falcons, but they need to put it together and play well for 60 minutes.
Here are five key matchups to watch in this one.
Robert Woods vs. Richard Sherman
Sherman is expected to return after missing Sunday’s game against the Falcons, and that’s a big boost to the 49ers defense. He’s been excellent this season, playing like one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Woods has been the Rams’ top receiver in recent weeks and should get the bulk of the targets on Saturday night, but picking on Sherman is never a great idea.
Cooper Kupp hasn’t been much of an option recently and Brandin Cooks has done next to nothing since returning from his concussion, which leaves Woods as the primary weapon on offense.
Andrew Whitworth vs. Nick Bosa
Bosa is a top candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year and is in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, too. He’s a force at right end and consistently wins his pass-rush reps in a variety of ways, from his speed to his power. Whitworth will be tasked with stopping the rookie, which will prove difficult on Saturday night.
Whitworth has been playing much better lately than he was when the Rams and 49ers first met this season, but so is Bosa. This is a marquee matchup on the left side of the line and will play a huge role in the outcome of this game.
Taylor Rapp vs. George Kittle
Kittle might just be the best tight end in the league. He’s certainly one of the most athletic and best pass-catching tight ends, which makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Rapp will be matched up with Kittle during the game, as will Marqui Christian and Cory Littleton.
If Kittle gets loose and has a big game, it’ll be difficult for the Rams to win this one. The 49ers’ play-action passing game is dangerous because Kittle is such a good blocker and can fool defenses by locking up a defender before slipping out for a pass. Rapp and the Rams defense have to be aware of where Kittle is at all times.
Cory Littleton vs. 49ers’ RBs
The 49ers have the second-best rushing attack in the NFL, averaging 147 yards per game. Most years, that would lead the league, but the Ravens are in another world with Lamar Jackson. The Rams were run over by Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard last week, allowing 263 yards rushing to the Cowboys.
San Francisco’s ground game is even better than Dallas’, which is bad news for the Rams. Littleton will be tested not only as a run defender, but also in coverage against the 49ers’ tailbacks. If he doesn’t have at least 10 tackles in this one, it’ll be a surprise.
Dante Fowler Jr. vs. Joe Staley
Fowler is quietly having a very good season, ranking second on the team with nine sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 13 quarterback hits. Staley has missed significant time this season with a broken fibula and a finger injury, but he’s played the last two games and will once again start at left tackle.
He’s not the perennial Pro Bowler he once was, but he’s still a tough matchup for opposing pass rushers. Fowler needs to put together a strong performance to force San Francisco to respect him and take pressure away from Aaron Donald.
