For all the injuries the San Francisco 49ers have had to manage and navigate this season, they’re only one game under .500 with a chance to pull even for second place in the NFC West with a win over the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. Everything they want is still ahead of them.
The Niners don’t have room for slippage, though. After beginning their de facto playoffs with a commanding win over the Bears last week, things are about to get a lot tougher. After the Rams, they play the Dolphins, Lions and Cardinals. The 49ers probably need all four to make it back to the playoffs.
First, though, they have to secure a win over LA. The Rams have an easier schedule down the stretch and already beat San Francisco in Week 3, which is why they aren’t quite as desperate. They’re also coming off a thrilling, confidence-building win over the Bills. So, though the Niners are favored by 3 points at home, nobody would be surprised to see the Rams come out on top.
San Francisco will potentially be short-handed in its attempt to match LA’s offense, as Isaac Guerendo became just the latest Niners running back to suffer an injury. There is good news on that front, however, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Guerendo plans to play.
Even without Guerendo, the Niners have a good chance to move the ball against a Rams defense that gives up the sixth-most yards per game in the NFL and fifth-most on the ground. That’s where there’s confidence the Niners can take care of business. If Guerendo can’t go, the Niners will likely lean on some combination of Patrick Taylor Jr., Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Israel Abanikanda to compliment Brock Purdy and the passing attack. They should find some success.
Betting Splits
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Spread: 52% of bets on Rams / 58% of handle on 49ers
Moneyline: 79% of bets on Rams / 67% of handle on Rams
Total: 73% of bets on over / 65% of handle on over
Injuries
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Rams
Out: CB Cobie Durant (chest), TE Tyler Higbee (knee)
Questionable: TE Davis Allen (shoulder), DE Tyler Davis (calf), T Alaric Jackson (knee), C Beaux Limmer (knee), WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder), WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder)
49ers
Out: OL Ben Bartch (ankle), S Malik Mustapha (shoulder), LT Trent Williams (ankle)
Questionable: DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique), DT Khalil Davis (knee), LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles), RB Isaac Guerendo (foot)
Prince’s Pick
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Rams +3
I’m expecting the 49ers to win, but I just can’t imagine leaving this many points on the table against the Rams with the way their offense is firing right now. Even with the understanding that San Francisco’s defense, while not as good as it has been in the past, is much better than Buffalo’s.
No, I don’t expect the Rams to score 44 points again, but between Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp and Kyren Williams, they’ll move the ball and put up points.
Prince’s Prop
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George Kittle Over 4.5 receptions
With all the injuries to San Francisco’s backs, I expect them to use the short passing game as part of their rushing attack and that should include quick throws to the tight end. Kittle is averaging five catches per game and has at least six catches in four of his last six games.
Anytime TD scorer
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Deebo Samuel (+140)
Samuel is disgruntled. Even after last week’s win, he thought it necessary to tweet about how he isn’t struggling this season but merely not getting the ball enough. Kyle Shanahan said he wished Samuel would have kept his issues in-house but also said they want to get him the ball more. I expect to see that Thursday, and against the Rams secondary, Samuel will have a good chance to take one of those touches to the house.
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