49ers QB Colin Kaepernick torched the Rams' young and aggressive secondary in the first meeting, including an 80-yard touchdown just before the half that completely flipped the momentum. Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
St. Louis Rams (2-5) at San Francisco 49ers (4-3)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif. – TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, Pam Oliver
*Keys to the game: The Rams jumped out to a 14-0 lead at home in Week 6 before defensive breakdowns and poor pass protection ultimately led to the 49ers battling their way to a 31-17 victory. After starting out strong, Rams QB Austin Davis steadily regressed during that game as the 49ers implemented a slew of stunts and line tricks that confused the offensive line and kept Davis on the move. With the Rams entering with a tattered offensive line, their hope lies in running the ball early and grinding out lengthy drives.
49ers QB Colin Kaepernick torched the Rams’ young and aggressive secondary in the first meeting, including an 80-yard touchdown just before the half that completely flipped the momentum. The Rams did a solid job of limiting the 49ers to 3.0 yards per carry, and must get a similar effort to help unleash DE Robert Quinn and the improving pass rush.
*Matchup to watch – Rams LT Greg Robinson vs. 49ers OLB Dan Skuta: Talk about a baptism by fire. Robinson was expected to man the blind-side protector spot for a decade — at some point. But after three starts at left guard, the 22-year-old Robinson’s time is now to slide outside following Jake Long’s season-ending injury. Skuta is no Aldon Smith, but he did have a pair of sacks in the first meeting.
*Player spotlight – 49ers C Marcus Martin: If you think Robinson is green, try the 20-year-old Martin, a rookie out of USC who will start in place of injured Daniel Kilgore. Coach Jim Harbaugh has praised Martin’s ability to translate what he learns in the classroom to the field, but live battle against Rams DTs Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers is another level.
*Fast facts: The Rams have had a league-leading six returns for touchdowns scored against them, all coming in their five losses. … Kaepernick has a 117.6 passer rating with six TDs and no INTs in winning his past three starts against the Rams.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
While the Rams are dispersing nametags to introduce who is starting at some positions, the 49ers are as healthy as they have been all season coming off their bye week and motivated to begin their playoff push.
*Our pick: 49ers 34-16
