Los Angeles Rams

Rams at 49ers: Preview, Predictions, and More

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers

The Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers will face off in the late Monday Night Football game of Week 1. This matchup between the Rams and 49ers will cap off Week 1 of the 2016 NFL regular season.

With a strong defensive unit and running back Todd Gurley leading the offense, the Rams have a lot of the same pieces in place from last season. They will be counting on Case Keenum at quarterback, but Gurley will take the bulk of the load.

The 49ers did not make any significant changes to the roster this off season. However, the team will likely look much different under new head coach Chip Kelly. The expectations for the 49ers are low, but they could certainly surprise.

Keys to Victory for Rams

1. Feed Todd Gurley: Make no mistake about it, the Rams are going to feature Gurley in their offensive attack this season. He is far and away their most talented weapon. If they expect to move the ball against a solid 49ers’ defense, getting Gurley going early will be key.

2. Attack the Quarterback: Blaine Gabbert is not exactly a top-notch starting quarterback. He showed some flashes last season, but LA would be wise to make him feel as uncomfortable as possible. Led by defensive tackle Aaron Donald and defensive end Robert Quinn, Los Angeles has one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. Creating consistent pressure on Gabbert with their front four will be key.

3. Protect the Ball: With a strong defense and an elite-level rushing attack, the Rams do not need much out of Case Keenum to be successful. Against a low-level team like the 49ers, if Keenum can simply not turn the ball over, the Rams should walk away with the win.

Keys to Victory for 49ers

1. Protect Gabbert: The Rams’ defensive front is scary good. It will not be easy to stop them, but the 49ers should get Gabbert more blockers in order to have a chance. Gabbert will not do well under pressure.

2. Stack the Box: Everybody knows that the Rams are going to feed Gurley this season. If the 49ers’ defense is going to be successful, they must make Keenum beat them. Stack the box to make life tough for Gurley and take your chances against the Rams’ passing attack.

3. Create Big Plays: Los Angeles is clearly the more talented team in this game. The 49ers undoubtedly have a chance, but they must create big plays. Whether it is a big return to flip field position, a long passing play or a timely turnover, the 49ers must step up and make big plays in order to win this game.

Odds

Point Spread: LA -2.5

Moneyline: LA -140, SF +120

Over/Under: 43

Prediction

I really like this Rams team. They are not perfect by any means, but there is a lot of ability on both sides of the ball. The 49ers simply do not stack up well with this team. The LA offense is not explosive enough for a major blowout, but this game will never be in doubt.

Pick: Los Angeles Rams: 17, San Francisco 49ers: 9