A chance at redemption for the Rams, who must stay atop the NFC West by any means necessary

When the Rams previously faced the 49ers back in week 5, the team fell just short of victory due to Mac Jones and Christian McCaffrey overpowering our formidable defense in the overtime loss that ended 26-23. A couple of blunders here and some poor play-calling there left a bad taste in the mouths of the team during a totally winnable divisional match-up against a depleted 49ers squad.

Arguably, the biggest error of that game was head coach McVay’s questionable call during the overtime finale, which completely backfired and ultimately sealed our fate, though he did take full responsibility for the decision. It truly felt like the Rams couldn’t get out of their own way. Fast forward to the present day, the Rams have polished themselves in every major facet, offensively, defensively, and even in play-calling. Coming off an easy win against New Orleans last Sunday, and with victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens in prior weeks, LA has a chance to win four in a row.

Believe it or not, the 49ers’ roster has diminished even further than the already battered and bruised lineup they’ve sadly been dealing with since the start of the season. The biggest name is, of course, the future Hall of Famer and team leader for San Francisco, LB Fred Warner, who sustained a devastating season-ending ankle injury against Tampa Bay last month. Additionally, WR Jacob Cowing was placed on injury reserve due to a hamstring issue, though coach Shanahan stated he should return in the following weeks. 

But already into November, the 49ers have added three more players to their injury reserve list— DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), G Ben Bartch (ankle), and their first-round pick from this year’s draft, DE Mykel Williams, who tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the year. C Jake Brendel, QB Brock Purdy (toe), WR Ricky Pearsall (knee), LB Tatum Bethune (thigh), LB Dee Winters (knee), and DE Bryce Huff (hamstring) are listed as questionable. 

In comparison, the Rams hardly have any serious injuries to deal with, thankfully, as of now. WR Tutu Atwell (hamstring) is still resting on the injury reserve, with CB Darious Williams (shoulder), WR Jordan Whittington (back) and WR Puka Nacua (ribs) all labeled as questionable, though coach McVay is confident Nacua will start this Sunday after receiving good news related to the minor injury. 

Regardless, credit must be given where credit is due, because despite the ever-revolving door of wounded players fading in and out for the 49ers, coach Shanahan has still been able to propel them to a 6-3 record. Defensively, San Fran is ranked 20th in passing yards allowed, meaning Stafford, Puka, and Davante should have a field day out on the gridiron, especially in the absence of Fred Warner.

The issue is expected to be with the run game, as they are ranked 15th in rushing yards prevented, which could cause a headache for Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. And despite boasting the immensely talented Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers are ranked 26th in rushing yards earned. However, McCaffrey has essentially been used as another wide receiver for the team these days. And that has translated significantly because even though Ricky Pearsall and Brandon Aiyuk have been absent, they are still ranked 5th in passing yards per game. 

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Come Sunday, we’ll get to watch the Rams redeem themselves from their previous showing against San Francisco, though it will be on the road and in front of an extremely passionate and animated crowd at Levi’s Stadium. The top throne of the NFC West hangs in the balance, though we’re confident the Horns will prevail.