San Francisco 49ers

Rams vs 49ers: Previewing Week 1 for San Francisco

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

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Preseason is officially over as the San Francisco 49ers look to rebound from a down year. Head coach Chip Kelly seems poised to lead his team back to its first winning season since 2014. Standing in their way on Week 1 is the division rival Los Angeles Rams. Here’s a complete preview of what to expect as the NFC West collides on Monday Night Football.

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) is congratulated after kicking the game-winning field goal during overtime against the St. Louis Rams at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The wait is over. Preseason has concluded and football has returned.

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For the second consecutive year, the San Francisco 49ers begin their season on Monday Night Football as they host the visiting Los Angeles Rams.

After enduring a preseason centered around a controversy, quarterback Blaine Gabbert has been named the starter for Week 1.

It’s a season of firsts for the 49ers as the “Bay Area Youth Movement” looks to carve out its identity as winners and send the Rams home with a decisive loss.

After losing the war in the trenches only a season ago, both the offensive and defensive lines figure to be positions of strength. This should help improve the running attack, and provide the secondary with the pressure needed to commit turnovers.

The biggest question on the mind of many is how will Gabbert be utilized?

Will he be a pocket passer that lets his line work effectively? Or will he be a mobile QB that is tailored for the Chip Kelly system? One thing’s for sure, he has to gain momentum early and he must move the chains consistently if he wants to lead his team to the win column.

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) vs. St. Louis Rams. Mandatory credit Kyle Terada USA Today Sports

By the Numbers

Each team has spent the bulk of their offseason investing highly in the offensive line. The goal of each franchise is to protect their quarterback. That’s a given. But the future of these two teams in particular relies heavily on the success of their running backs.

Though Todd Gurley and Carlos Hyde saw limited action this preseason, both teams moved the ball very well on the ground.

In four preseason contests, the 49ers totaled 737 yards with an average of 5.7 yards per carry, while the Rams rushed for 543 yards and averaged a solid 5.2 yards-per-carry.

The West Coast Offense and the “Greatest Show on Turf” were two of the most prolific passing offenses in NFL history. But this year, the California franchises have traded in their aerial assault for a powerful running game.

It doesn’t matter the decade or how good these two teams are in any given season. This contest will always represent the meaning of a true rivalry. They will always be a thorn in each others side, and their games will always leave the mark of a true contest.

On Monday, pride will be on the line, and after the game the Bay Area will crown a new king.

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the ball for a first down in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Running Back Comparison

San Francisco running back Carlos Hyde has stated that he wants to be an every-down back.

Lucky for him, that’s exactly what the 49ers need.

Chip Kelly has zero reservations his No. 1 guy can do just that. After two seasons of play that were cut short by splitting time and a fractured foot, Hyde is set to break out. And his mind is set on a 1,500 yard season.

His hard-nosed running style is just what the team needs to compliment their big, athletic offensive line. However, one thing he must do is limit the amount of head-on hits he takes if he wants to make it through 16 games this season.

Hyde needs to take control of the game and lead his team to victory, as he did in Week 1 last year against the Minnesota Vikings. He ran for 168 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 20-3 win for San Francisco.

Los Angeles running back Todd Gurley has only faced the 49ers once. He rushed for 133 yards on 20 attempts and scored one touchdown in a 27-6 victory.

On Monday night he’ll look to pick up where he left off. As a Ram, he joins an elite group of running backs in Eric Dickerson and Marshall Faulk. Though the franchise invested heavily in quarterback Jared Goff, Gurley is the future of the Rams.

It doesn’t matter if quarterback Case Keenum takes the snaps or Goff does, this offense will primarily be focused on the play of the running back.

After suffering an ACL tear in college, Gurley rebounded in 2016, leading all rookie running backs with 1,106 rushing yards and celebrated Rookie of the Year honors.

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Will Redmond (23) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Significant 49ers Injuries

Early last week the 49ers, announced cornerback Will Redmond is headed to the injured reserve list. It was a long shot for him to play this season. But up until a week ago he appeared to be a lock for a roster spot.

As of Saturday, defensive ends Arik Armstead, Glenn Dorsey and Quinton Dial were listed as questionable for Monday night’s contest.

If they are unable to play in Week 1, this poses a big problem for the team. For the upcoming season, the defensive front was supposed to be a position of strength. But with these three possibly out for the game, the depth that once was, becomes a huge question mark for the franchise.

Cornerback Chris Davis was a huge bright spot this preseason for the 49ers. He plays the nickel position recently vacated by Jimmie Ward’s promotion to starting CB. He was a shoo-in for the job due to his level of play at the position. Too bad for the team, he is listed as doubtful for Week 1.

After a year off from the NFL and some harsh words on social media, offensive lineman Anthony Davis rekindled his relationship with the front office and returned to 49ers football. Now with the season starting in less than two days, rumors are starting again about his possible retirement. His name is on the injured list, but it’s not for health reasons.

Linebacker Nick Bellore and cornerback Keith Reaser are also listed as doubtful for the first week of football.

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Mike Purcell (64) scores a touchdown after intercepting the football against the Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

49ers Offensive & Defensive X-Factors

The biggest X-factor for San Francisco is running back Carlos Hyde. Given quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s inability to impress fans during the preseason, the hopes of the team rest heavily on the running game.

If he can gain separation and utilize a very impressive offensive line, the 49ers will have no problems moving the chains.

The second most important player on the field on Monday night is offensive lineman Anthony Davis. The line has seen many changes since last year, luckily they’ve all been positive. After losing 40 pounds and moving to the guard position, Davis’ return pulled the whole unit together.

Without his presence on the field, the running game will undoubtedly suffer. His recent hesitation of playing for the 49ers is a very uncomfortable dé jà vu that the team doesn’t need.

Defensive tackle Mike Purcell might have the most important position on the field. With a newly renovated Rams offensive line, and a workhorse in Todd Gurley, the front seven have their hands full.

The nose tackle position is what will either take out the lead blocker or get to the running back first. After a great preseason one year ago Purcell has secured a spot on the 53-man roster.

Now it’s time to see what he does with it.

Another man to watch on Monday is cornerback Jimmie Ward. Whether the run game gets going for the Rams or not, quarterback Case Keenum will have to mix up the offense with the pass.

Chances are, he’ll be looking to throw to No. 1 wideout Tavon Austin. Jimmie Ward will need to play tight man-to-man coverage if wants to contain the former first rounder, and he’ll need to bring his speed if he hopes to keep up with him.

January 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) kicks the game-winning field goal during overtime against the St. Louis Rams at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Game Information

The Rams and the 49ers kick off on Monday, September 12 at 10:20 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California

You can watch the game on the ESPN Network or KPIX 5 in San Francisco, or listen to the game on KGO 810 AM, 107.7 The Bone, and KTRB 860 AM en espanol.

The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have been division rivals for 46 years, but their first contest dates back to 1950. The 49ers have won more games against the Rams than they have against any other franchise in the NFL.

More from Niner Noise

Their feud spans over 6.5 decades consisting of 133 games and is one of the closest rivalries of all time with the 49ers ahead by a narrow margin of 66-64-3.

Together they’ve won the division title 29 times, Currently it’s the longest standing rivalry in the history of the NFC West, but for the current two rosters, the only number that matters is one.

One game, two teams, Monday Night Football.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of MercuryNews.com, 49ers.com, TheRams.com and NFL.com unless otherwise indicated.

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