Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers (10/3/22): Odds, Predictions, Depth Chart
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The Los Angeles Rams travel from Arizona to San Francisco for their second consecutive road game versus a division rival. These teams matched up three times last year and even though the 49ers won both regular season contests, the Rams ended up winning the NFC championship game to advance to the super bowl. They now face each other again to determine who takes an early lead in the division.
Los Angeles Rams Vs. San Francisco 49ers Betting Odds
The 49ers are home favorites -2 versus the Rams +2. The line moved up from -1 to -2, but still is low to show either team could easily take this game. The over/under is set at 42.5, reflecting that Vegas expects a low scoring contest.
Los Angeles Rams Vs. San Francisco 49ers Prediction
Even though these squads are led by two great offensive minds in Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, expect a defensive and low scoring battle. The 49ers are the 5th lowest scoring team in the league, but have also given up the 3rd fewest points. After not practicing with the team all preseason and training camp, QB Jimmy Garoppolo was suddenly thrown into leading the offense following Trey Lance’s gruesome week two injury. Though he’s made some plays, his lack of practice has shown, particularly when he stepped out of his own end zone for a safety, Orlovsky style.
Safety for the Broncos!
📺: #SFvsDEN on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/2rt05DqkHW pic.twitter.com/6WYeiK5BE7— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2022
The Rams are coming off a 20-12 win against the Cardinals. Though they are 2-1, they have capitalized on beating lesser opponents thus far in the Falcons and the aforementioned Cardinals. In their win over the latter, the Rams showed they can win in more versatile ways by securing a crucial punt block and having star receiver Cooper Kupp pull a Deebo and rush for a touchdown. Still, it’s disappointing the Rams only put up 20 points versus the Cardinals. Considered Arizona’s defense has given up the second most points this season and have the 10th worst pass defense, Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Allen Robinson should have feasted.
I’m taking the Niners to win a close game. Expect the Niners to rely on their 5th rank run game versus the Rams to bring both teams to 2-2.
Prediction: 49ers win 17-14, Under hits.
Betting Trends
- Rams are 3-8 ATS vs. a team with a losing record
- Rams are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall
- 49ers are 5-0 ATS vs. a team with a winning record
Key Injuries
Los Angeles Rams Injuries: David Long (Q), Jordan Fuller (Q), Decobie Durant (Q), Derion Kendrick (Q), Xavier Jones (Q), Van Jefferson (O), Troy Hill (O)
San Francisco 49ers Injuries: Azeez Al-Shaair (O), Daniel Brunskill (Q), Tyrion Davis-Price (O), Tyler Kroft (O), Trent Williams (O), Arik Armstead (Q)
Key Matchups
The 49ers Offensive Line vs the Rams Defensive Front
The 49ers suffered a major blow last week when 2021 all pro tackle Trent Williams sustained a high ankle sprain that will cause him to miss 4-6 weeks. Williams has been one of the league’s most consistent tackles, so the 49ers backup lineman Jaylon Moore will have to step up. The 49ers will go up against the Rams after Aaron Donald became the second DT to reach 100 sacks last week. With Donald, Leonard Floyd, A’Shawn Robinson, and Bobby Wagner on the Rams front seven, it’s no surprise they were ranked by PFF as the #1 defensive line going into the season. Given how much the 49ers rely on their running game with Jeff Wilson and Deebo Samuel, along with Garoppolo’s lack of mobility, Jaylon Moore and the rest of the line will need to play well versus the Rams front for the 49ers to gain offensive momentum.
Matthew Stafford vs 49ers Secondary
Matthew Stafford has started off this season pretty inconsistently. Though he is second in the league in completion percentage at 72.5%, he also is tied for the league lead in interceptions with five. This past weekend versus the Cardinals he had 0 interceptions, but he also failed to throw a touchdown. He now goes up against the league’s top pass defense in the 49ers. The 49ers defense is ranked #2 overall in yards allowed and #1 in pass yards given up. Cornerback Charvarius Ward has proven himself to be a solid addition for this Niners defense, coming up with three pass defenses and 1 interception so far this year. Look for Ward to challenge Stafford and the Rams receivers this Monday.
Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart
QB: Matthew Stafford
RB1: Darrell Henderson Jr.
RB2: Cam Akers
LWR:Allen Robinson II
RWR: Van Jefferson
SWR: Cooper Kupp
TE1: Tyler Higbee
San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo
RB1:Marlon Mack
RB2: Jeff Wilson Jr.
LWR: Deebo Samuel
RWR: Brandon Aiyuk
SWR: Jauan Jennings
TE1: George Kittle
