NFC Game Of The Week
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams
49ers: I honestly think the injury to Jimmy Garoppolo is somewhat of a blessing in disguise. Now, before you try to bash me, can I get a second to explain myself? In no way, shape or form am I saying the injury is a good thing because I never want to see anyone get hurt. What I’m saying is with Jimmy sidelined, the team can get a chance to see if Trey Lance is their future quarterback moving forward after this year. Trey got the chance to start on Sunday against the Houston Texans and he didn’t disappoint. When he’s on the field, I see a more aggressive offensive attack. The quarterback is mobile, he can move the pocket and extend those plays when necessary. Sunday was a nice bounce-back win for the 49ers after losing a closely contested battle in week 16 to the Tennessee Titans. At the moment, the 49ers sit in the sixth seed in the NFC playoff picture. As of late, their offense has been clicking. You see the difference with a healthy George Kittle and I often say he’s the heart and soul of this football team. However, Deebo Samuel has been excellent this year. Whether it’s as a receiver or even at running back, his versatility does wonders. He’s their most important player. On Sunday, they enter with a win and in mindset.
Rams: Ever since that bump in the road they hit where they lost three in a row, they’ve rebounded nicely as winners of their last five games. I can say I was a bit concerned about them on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens because they came out flat and showed no urgency. They were able to come back, but I left that game with my eyebrows raised and they escaped with a one-point victory. One thing I’ve liked is they’re attempting to run the football more. I used to say it all the time when Jared Goff was still quarterbacking the team, the running game for the Rams helps open up everything else in the passing attack. I want to talk about the quarterback for a minute. It seems so long ago when Matthew Stafford was playing out of his mind. Everyone was saying being traded was the best thing for him. People were even considering him an MVP candidate. As of late, I haven’t liked how he’s looked. Matthew is turning the football over a little too much for my liking. It’s that gunslinger mentality and it’ll get you in trouble here and there. If the Rams want to do some damage come playoff time, the quarterback must play better. The defense is hitting their stride at the right time. Von Miller finally looks as if he’s settled in now. They’re back home Sunday for a divisional showdown.
49ers X-Factor: Brandon Aiyuk– I knew he could something for them. As of late, I’ve seen them call his number and he’s answered. They can use him on jet sweeps and screens, but in the passing game, that’s where he’s at his best getting down the field. Brandon is also that one receiver that has no fear. Do you need a guy to go over the middle in traffic to make that catch? This is your guy. I can’t wait to see what he does in this game.
Rams X-Factor: Van Jefferson– He’s become one of Stafford’s other trusted weapons since Robert Woods went down with the torn ACL. Van is the Rams’ possession receiver. Whether you need him to run the underneath route or take the top off the zone, Stafford has the trust to put the ball up in the air and he’ll come down with it. He’s stepped his game up tremendously after Woods got hurt.
Final Thoughts: Every time they play, the 49ers always seem to punch the Rams in the mouth and they can never seem to recover. Look at the first battle between them in November this season. San Fran started quickly and never looked back. Weeks later, both teams are different compared to that first meeting. The 49ers’ weakness on their defense this year has been their secondary. It’s only right the Rams come out and attack that early on. Here’s where San Fran has a slight advantage. Who’s starting at quarterback? Is it Jimmy or Trey? The Rams won’t know who to prepare for. Watching how LA prepares for Deebo will be interesting because he attacks defenses in so many ways. If Jimmy starts, I expect the Niners to run the ball early and often.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Rams 24
