The Rams are coming off of a 23-17 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers are coming off of a 32-17 defeat against the Detroit Lions.
While the 49ers offense had 265 yards in the first half against Detroit, they stalled in the second half with just 57 yards. The 49ers could break a franchise record for sacks on Sunday. The offensive line has allowed a league-high 52 this season, averaging 3.5 per game. The franchise record is 55.
On defense, NT Ian Williams continues to impress. He had his third consecutive game with a Pro Football Focus grade of +5.0 or more and his ninth straight positive mark. Lions RG Larry Warford had one of his worst games this season while trying to stop Williams.
| SF W16 PFF Top Performers | STL W16 PFF Top Performers |
| NT Ian Williams (+5.0) | DT Aaron Donald (+9.9) |
| TE Vance McDonald (+4.1) | DE William Hayes (+6.4) |
| LT Joe Staley (+2.2) | RG Cody Wichmann (+5.2) |
| DE Quinton Dial (+2.0) | FS Rodney McLeod (+2.0) |
| DT Mike Purcell (+1.9) | WR Kenny Britt (+1.4) |
The Rams defensive line played a stellar game against the Seahawks offensive line last week. Both DT Aaron Donald (+9.9) and DE William Hayes (+6.4) graded high at Pro Football Focus. The 49ers will need to account for this duo and try to prevent a repeat performance.
Rams QB Case Keenum received some good protection from his offensive line last week. He was pressured just five times on 25 drop backs. However, he nearly threw a couple of interceptions near the end of the game. Keenum has completed 67.7 percent of his passes, thrown three touchdowns and just one interception over the last three games.
On Saturday, the 49ers activated rookie RB Mike Davis off of the short-term IR list. To make room for him, the placed LB Michael Wilhoite on IR.
The Rams have an opportunity to finish 5-1 against the NFC West while a 49ers victory would give them their only win within the division. A 49ers loss would give them their worst record since finishing 4-12 in 2005.
Kickoff: Sunday, January 3 at 1:25 PM PT
Television: The game will be televised on CBS (Check 506 Sports to see if it is local)
Bay Area Radio: KGO 810 & The Bone 107.7 (Other radio affiliates)
Spanish Radio: KTRB 860
Australian Radio: Triple M
All-Time Matchup: 49ers lead series 65-64-3
Last Meeting: 11/1/15, Rams win 27-6, at StL
Current Streak: Lost 2
Betting: The Rams are 3 point favorites
NFL Fan Picks: 69% pick the Rams to win according to Yahoo! Sports
49ers Fan Picks: Within our Pick 'em Contest, 65% believe the Rams will win
49ers Schedule: View full schedule
Rams News: Rams news at Problitz.com
Follow Game Online: NFL.com's Game Center
Discuss: Niner Talk forum
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Injury Report
| Pos | Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco 49ers | |||
| DT | Quinton Dial | Back | Out |
| LB | Michael Wilhoite | Ankle | IR |
| C | Marcus Martin | Concussion | Doubtful |
| S | Jaquiski Tartt | Knee | Doubtful |
| DT | Arik Armstead | Shoulder, shin | Probable |
| LB | NaVorro Bowman | Shoulder, finger | Probable |
| CB | Tramaine Brock | Hamstring | Probable |
| LB | Ahmad Brooks | Shoulder, back | Probable |
| G | Trenton Brown | Knee | Probable |
| LB | Eli Harold | Finger | Probable |
| CB | Dontae Johnson | Ankle | Probable |
| RB | Bruce Miller | Foot | Probable |
| G | Erik Pears | Knee | Probable |
| S | Eric Reid | Hip | Probable |
| WR | Torrey Smith | Back, foot | Probable |
| T | Joe Staley | Knee, illness | Probable |
| St. Louis Rams | |||
| RB | Todd Gurley | Foot | Doubtful |
| T | Andrew Donnal | Knee | Questionable |
| S | Mark Barron | Concussion | Probable |
| DT | Michael Brockers | Thigh | Probable |
| DT | Ethan Westbrooks | Concussion | Probable |
Game Averages (Rank)
| Rams | 49ers | |
|---|---|---|
|
17.6 (30th)
|
Offense Pts
|
14.6 (32nd)
|
|
293.1 (32nd)
|
Offense Yds
|
293.5 (31st)
|
|
171.6 (32nd)
|
Offense Pass
|
197.7 (30th)
|
|
121.5 (8th)
|
Offense Rush
|
95.7 (21st)
|
|
20.7 (13th)
|
Defense Pts Allowed
|
24.7 (19th)
|
|
361.8 (21st)
|
Defense Yds Allowed
|
389.0 (29th)
|
|
247.7 (21st)
|
Defense Pass Allowed
|
263.2 (25th)
|
|
114.1 (20th)
|
Defense Rush Allowed
|
125.8 (28th)
|
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