NFL’s SNF Week 7: Los Angeles Rams @ 49ers Preview

Updated On Oct 17, 2018 by Ryan Knuppel

Los Angeles Rams vs. San Francisco 49ersTwo NFC West rivals go at it Sunday afternoon in a game that was originally the Sunday night game, but got flexed out. The 49ers lead the all time series 68-65-3, and are 3-1 in their last 4 games against the Rams.

LA survived a tough test in Denver 23-20 last week. In week 4, the Rams defeated the Vikings 38-31, and outlasted the Seahawks 33-31 in week 5.

The 49ers are coming off a 33-30 Monday night barnburner loss against the Packers. In week 4, the 49ers lost 29-27 to the Chargers, and lost 28-18 to the Cardinals in week 5.

The Rams as 10 point favourites on the road with GTBets , O/U of 52.5

Los Angeles Rams

After their electric start to the season, the Rams have slowed down a bit the last few weeks. Granted, going into Denver and Seattle are among the toughest places to play, but Jared Goff has not looked as sharp as he did early on, especially against Denver. Goff and the Rams offense had their lowest output of the season, as Goff was held to 14/28 passing for 201 yards and a fluky interception, while the offense as a whole was held under 30 points for the first time this season.

Todd Gurley was an absolute monster however, running behind possibly the best offensive line in the NFL on his way to 208 yards and 2 TDs on 28 carries. Robert Woods has really stepped up the last 2 weeks, especially on 3rd down with the Rams question marks at receiver with 12 catches for 201 yards in that time.

After a rough week against Seattle, the defense held their own a bit better last weekend. Aaron Donald was a gamewrecker, totaling 12 pressures and a sack. Outside of Donald however, the pass rush leaves a lot to be desired. Troy Hill, playing for the injured Aqib Talib, was picked on by the Broncos, allowing 8 catches for 179 yards and a TD into his coverage.

Injuries and Inactive Watch

WR Cooper Kupp (knee) – doubtful, EDGE Matt Longacre (back) – questionable, K Greg Zeurlein (groin) – questionable

San Francisco 49ers

Well, the 49ers almost shocked the football world by upsetting the Green Bay Packers on Monday night, but Aaron Rodgers did Aaron Rodgers-things and led Green Bay to the last second win. C.J. Beathard was impressive in Jimmy Garoppolo’s absence, throwing for 245 and 2 TDs and an INT on 16/23 passing.

Beathard has showed a good command of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and hasn’t been afraid to push the ball downfield. Marquise Goodwin, returning from injury, caught 4 balls for 126 yards and 2 TDs on plays of 67 and 30 yards, displaying elite top speed and excellent nuance as a route runner.

Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert combined to give San Fran a solid running attack, combining for 26 carries, 148 yards, and a Breida touchdown. Weston Richburg had a tough time with Kenny Clark up front, but otherwise the offensive line performed well. Sheldon Day and DeForest Buckner provided a nice interior pass rush, tallying 5 pressures a piece and each had a sack. Both Jimmie Ward and Greg Mabin had rough games at cornerback. Ward gave up 122 yards on just 4 catches, and Mabin was picked on repeatedly on the final drive of the game.

Injuries and Inactive Watch

CB Jimmie Ward (hamstring) – questionable, WR Dante Pettis (knee) – questionable, WR Trent Taylor (head) – questionable

Predictions

We think this game ends up being closer than the bookmakers might think, and I could see this line shifting after the public sees how well the 49ers played Green Bay, and the struggles the Rams have had defensively the past few weeks. We don’t expect another dud from the Rams offense, and Jared Goff should bounce back nicely against a suspect 49ers secondary. The 9ers struggle to get much pressure off the edge, and that has really been the only way to knock Jared Goff off his spot.

The 49ers could follow the mold that Seattle laid down, running the ball to death, and taking some deep shots over the top occasionally. The Rams showed they struggle against the run, and if San Fran can find a matchup they like with Marquise Goodwin (maybe against Troy Hill?) then we could see them hitting some big plays over the top. There is almost no chance the 49ers win this game outright, but when you have a double digit underdog at home, it’s hard to not take the points. We think the 49ers make enough plays offensively to keep pace with LA, and we should see a game in the 30s from both sides.

Final Pick: 49ers (+10)

Ryan Knuppel Author

Ryan (aka Knup) has been writing sports betting content for over a decade now. He covers anything and everything related to United Stats sports including football, basketball, baseball, golf and more. He has finished first place in several gambling related contests over the years which gives him instant credibility in the betting world. Ryan is a die-hard St. Louis...

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