3 Bold predictions for Rams vs 49ers on Sunday night...

3 bold predictions for Rams vs. 49ers on Sunday night

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

Patrick Conn

In the prime-time matchup of the week, the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams will meet on Sunday night. Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay are two of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, so could this have the makings of an ole west shootout?

There are plenty of storylines heading into this game. San Francisco’s quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is undefeated against his counterpart in Jared Goff. Both teams rely on the run, but they also have playmakers in the passing game. Could we see another game like last week where Garoppolo doesn’t make it through the game while dealing with that ankle injury?

Here are three bold predictions ahead of the Sunday Night Football NFC West matchup.

Rams will give up fewer points than their season average


This year, the Rams have had one of the top defenses in the league. They are top four in yards allowed and a top-three scoring defense. They held the Dallas Cowboys’ high-powered offense to just 17 points. The Niners this year are sputtering along with an offense that is middle of the road.

San Francisco has averaged 24 points per game, while L.A. is allowing just over 18 points per game. For this bold prediction, the Rams hold Kyle Shanahan’s offense to less than 17.

Jimmy Garoppolo throws three interceptions


On Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, Jimmy G had his worst outing of the season after coming back from an ankle injury. After completing just seven of his 17 passes, he was pulled from the game. He was also sacked three times. It likely won’t get much better this week.

In three career games against the Rams, Garoppolo has thrown 1.7 interceptions per game. With a harrassing pass rush and a bum ankle, look for Garoppolo to throw it to the Rams three separate times in prime time. In their last matchup, L.A. intercepted him twice and allowed a passer rating of just 71.2.

Rams rushing attack hits 200 yards


The Rams rushing attack has been one of stronger parts of this team. Along with timely passing, it makes the offense hard to gameplan for. They can deploy Darrell Henderson, Malcolm Brown or Cam Akers as a three-headed attack. So how will they fare against the Niners front?

Los Angeles will be able to build out an early lead against its division rival and control the clock down the stretch. Look for the Rams to eclipse 200 yards rushing in a blowout win against the quarterback they have yet to beat.