Kick-off on the night of Thursday to Friday at 2:15 a.m.
San Francisco 49ers (6-7) – Los Angeles Rams (7-6)
Crucial game in the NFC West. If the Seahawks hold the lead in the division, the two teams facing each other tonight keep them in their sights. The Rams first, since Sean McVay's team is still only one victory away from Seattle, the team they will face in the last game of the season. The 49ers then, who despite their negative record of 6-7 are still in the discussion. Whichever team wins this Thursday night will be in the thick of the division title race.
Affected, the 49ers are still standing
After a three-game losing streak, the 49ers rebounded well by beating a weak Bears. In their most dominant victory of the season (38-13), the Californians never trembled and stunned their opponents from the start. Thus and despite their last place in the NFC West, Kyle Shanahan's men retain their hopes of the playoffs.
But everything is far from rosy in the bay. Like their season, the 49ers still have to deal with numerous injuries. Replacing Christian McCaffrey then Jordan Mason, both injured, running back Isaac Guerendo left Sunday's game with… An injury. And even if the latter does not seem serious, it has a good chance of making him miss this Thursday's match. It is therefore possible that Shanahan will have to settle for Patrick Taylor Jr., a runner who has only carried the ball 79 times in 4 seasons…
On the good news side, the prognosis is more optimistic regarding linebacker Dre Greenlaw, an indisputable starter who has not yet set foot on the pitch this season. Additionally, left tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Nick Bosa also have a good chance of being on the field. Weight reinforcements in a final sprint where you won't have to give up any more points.
The Rams conquer the West
The Rams have had their ups and downs this year. Starting the season with an ugly 1-4, they then rallied to win six of their last eight games. The highlight of this beautiful period, Los Angeles has just won a spectacular and unexpected success against the Bills this Sunday.
A renaissance which is largely explained by the returns of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Deprived of their best playmakers at the start of the season, the Rams skated before finally seeing their attack take off. Between them and in only 9 games for one and 8 for the other, they have accumulated nearly 1,400 receiving yards as well as 10 touchdowns. And in their wake, the entire Los Angeles team is back in the race for the playoffs. At the same time, Matthew Stafford also had the pleasure of recovering his main offensive linemen. Not a luxury when we saw him fighting for his life at the start of the season.
Despite these positives, the Rams still have many shortcomings. Offensively first, they struggle to be decisive and rank among the bottom five in the NFL in 3rd down conversion rate. They also struggle to advance effectively on the ground, with only 103 yards per game despite the contribution of Kyren Williams. On the other side of the field, the defense has flaws and is the sixth that concedes the most yards in the NFL (366.1 yards/game). Problems that will have to be corrected while the playoffs are still in sight. After Thursday's game, the Rams will play at the Jets and finish with two home games against NFC West opponents, the Cardinals and Seahawks.
Players to watch: Jauan Jennings & Kyren Williams
As the season progressed, Jauan Jennings presented himself as San Francisco's pleasant surprise. Taking advantage of everyone's injuries, the receiver gained depth in the Californian attack. Now the number 2 receiver in the attack, he has just had a solid game against the Bears with seven receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns. If the 49ers want to have any chance of making the playoffs, they will need a productive Jennings.
What has become clear in recent weeks is that the Rams are at their best when they can rely on their running game. Something they managed to pull off against the Saints and Bills, resulting in two valuable wins. Spearhead of this sector, Kyren Williams is already having his best season. With more than 1,000 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, he was invaluable in the absence of Kupp and Nacua, and has continued to be a key player in the offense since their return. His team's playoff hopes may depend on his form.
The prediction: San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers showed last weekend that they remain one of the most talented teams in the NFL. They still have the third best record in terms of yards gained per play, and Brock Purdy has the talent to find the key against any defense. Beaten by these same Rams in week 3, they absolutely must win this meeting in order to regain the tiebreaker. Enough to give them the extra motivation they need?
