(Photo: Bleacher Nation)
Intriguing Game- NFL, Week 10
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers
Rams (6-2):
I feel as if they’re quietly going about their business—and sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with that. As we speak, they’re tied for first place in the NFC West with the Seattle Seahawks and have played some quality football. If they hadn’t blown that lead in West Philadelphia in Week 3 against the Eagles, we’d be talking about them as the team with the best record in the NFC. This group is rolling right now, and I love everything I’m seeing from them. They have an explosive offense featuring a dynamic duo of receivers in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. They also use four-tight-end sets, which force defenses to think they’re running the ball—only to push it over the top in the passing game and generate those big chunk-yardage plays. They complement that with a balanced rushing attack led by Blake Corum and Kyren Williams. The catalyst behind it all is Matthew Stafford, and in all my years of watching him play, this is by far the best I’ve ever seen him look. So far this season, the veteran quarterback has thrown 21 touchdown passes and only 2 interceptions. The Rams are also getting strong play from their defense, which ranks among the best units in the league. When you talk about the elite teams in the NFC, make sure you don’t forget about them. This Sunday, they’ll be seeking revenge.
49ers (6-3):
This is Kyle Shanahan’s best season as a head coach to date—which might sound funny considering he’s led this team to NFC West titles and two Super Bowl appearances. But there’s a reason I’m saying this: despite all the injuries, he’s made the most of what he has and continues to execute consistent, effective game plans. After signing a big contract extension in the offseason, Brock Purdy has been sidelined with turf toe (the same injury Joe Burrow suffered) and has missed most of the season. Football is all about the “next man up,” and Mac Jones has stepped in to lead and command the offense. It also makes a huge difference when Christian McCaffrey is healthy and on the field. The 49ers lost both Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, two cornerstone pieces of one of the league’s best defenses, and have still managed to sit at 6-3 despite missing key players. That’s Coach of the Year material if I’ve ever seen it. Before getting back in the win column against the New York Giants in Week 9, they dropped the ball in Houston against the Texans due to an inconsistent offensive performance, and the defense got punched in the mouth. When this defense is at full strength, though, they’re the most physical unit in the league—and that goes without saying. They’re right in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt. After two straight road games, the Niners return home for a divisional showdown.
Rams X-Factor: Kyren Williams
The Rams’ offense runs much more smoothly when they feed Kyren Williams the football. I remember saying the same thing about him during his college days with Notre Dame. He’s a versatile weapon—more than capable of contributing as both a runner and a receiver in check-down situations. A strong running game neutralizes defensive pressure in the trenches. Beyond his playmaking ability, Kyren can also pick up blitzes and block when necessary, which helps protect Stafford and opens up the Rams’ deep passing game.
49ers X-Factor: Christian McCaffrey
His dual-threat ability has always set him apart. Let’s not write Christian off at all—this is a guy who’s only two seasons removed from being named Offensive Player of the Year. When he’s healthy, his production completely shifts the balance of success for the 49ers. When he’s on the field and heavily involved, look at how much smoother the San Francisco offense operates. Without him, things get a bit more challenging, which plays right into the hands of opposing defenses. McCaffrey can exploit mismatches—especially as a receiver—and with the ball in his hands in any form, he’s capable of making a major impact.
Final Thoughts:
I previewed their first meeting in Week 5 on a Thursday night—and what a game that was. Hardly anyone gave them a chance to win that one given all the injuries they were dealing with, yet they pulled off an overtime thriller. Five weeks later, we get the rematch, and this is a big one in the NFC. To attack stingy defenses, you either get the quick passing game going or establish the run—and that’s exactly what the Rams must do early: get Kyren Williams going. The 49ers thrive when opponents abandon the run, so the Rams need to stay balanced and attack San Francisco’s linebackers. Next, keep Stafford clean at all costs. This 49ers defensive front can wreck games when they collapse the pocket. The final key for the Rams is to target mismatches and use Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to their full advantage. For the 49ers, it starts with controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. They’ll need to neutralize edge pressure and open lanes for CMC. Defensively, they must disrupt Stafford’s rhythm—make him uncomfortable, get him off his spot, and make sure his jersey gets dirty. Lastly, contain Puka Nacua. He’s been Stafford’s go-to guy for a reason. If the Niners can double him and tackle him immediately after the catch, daring the Rams to beat them elsewhere, they’ll be in good shape. That said, I like the Rams to win this one and hand the 49ers their first divisional loss of the season.
