Preview of an NFC West Matchup on Thursday Night Football
The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers both come into this matchup floating around .500 on the season. Both of these teams absolutely need a win this week, especially as it is a divisional game with the NFC West up for grabs. The Rams are starting to catch traction this season after two straight victories and an impressive victory over the Bills last week. The 49ers have been far from the NFC Championship caliber team they were last season as they find themselves at the bottom of the division. However, with a win on Thursday Night Football, both of these teams have a chance to propel themselves closer to a coveted NFC wild card spot. What is the key area of focus for each team to win on primetime
49ers: Defense Needs to Get Off the Field On Key Downs
The 49ers this season have found a way to move the ball on offense and stop their opponents from moving the ball on defense. Despite their ability to outgain their opponents by nearly 80 yards a game, that hasn’t translated into additional points. The problem is that this defense is extremely bad in the red zone and in third down situations. The 49ers are the second worst team at stopping opposing offenses in the red zone and they are the fifth worst defense at stopping teams on third down. Besides those two crucial categories, this defense is really strong. If this defense can make crucial stops on third down and in the red zone, then they have a good chance of walking away from this game with the win.
Rams: Find a Way to Slow Down the 49ers Rushing Attack
Despite several injuries to the backfield for the 49ers, with Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason out for the foreseeable future, this rushing attack has still found a way to be wildly efficient. Issac Guerendo is now the next man up for the 49ers, and through his limited action so far, he has found a way to average nearly six yards per carry. San Francisco’s offense is predicated on the run setting up the pass. If the Rams defense is able to shut down this rushing attack early, they will likely be able to force the 49ers offense to become primarily focused on the pass. If the Rams can do this, they have a better chance of forcing multiple turnovers from Brock Purdy and this 49ers offense which would put the Rams in a good spot to win this game on the road.
