Some quick thoughts on tonight's game. I'm predicting a 22-19 win for the Rams. Not feeling great about it, but I'm trusting the defending Super Bowl champs to gut out the win, even if it means kicking five field goals.
The Niners beat the Rams six straight times before last season’s NFC title game. Jimmy G. won five of them, throwing only seven TD passes and five interceptions in those contests. So it's not that Garoppolo “has the Rams’ number.” San Francisco simply has had a very good team. They still do. But the Rams still have the personnel to prevail, and I believe Matthew Stafford will elevate his team Monday night more than Garoppolo will elevate his.
That said, I don't trust Stafford to throw for more than about 225 yards. Dump-offs to Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson, and Tyler Higbee seem more likely than Allen Robinson cracking 4-45. Hard to bet against Cooper Kupp, obviously. Still, I'm envisioning a very human-looking Stafford operating relatively conservatively in a battle for field position.
For the Niners, I'm biased, at least for one night. Dreamt last night that Deebo Samuel crushed it, and I'm facing Deebo in the Premier Fantasy Football League (good luck, Tommy). I need George Kittle to step up and keep things close between those two.
So . . . I think my dream says everything I need to say. If I didn't think Deebo would have a good game, I wouldn't be anxious about him having a good game. If you have Deebo, 16+ points seems realistic. For Kittle, 8+ points seems realistic. I don't see how Jimmy can feed both of them and Brandon Aiyuk.
One other thing to consider: L.A. has been pretty stingy against the run. I like Jimmy targeting Wilson 3+ times to help get the running game going. The Rams have given up only one rushing score, so don't be surprised if Wilson's used more than usual through the air, including near the goal line.
Leave your prediction below. Should be a great game. Good luck if you're still in the running for a W.
The Niners beat the Rams six straight times before last season’s NFC title game. Jimmy G. won five of them, throwing only seven TD passes and five interceptions in those contests. So it's not that Garoppolo “has the Rams’ number.” San Francisco simply has had a very good team. They still do. But the Rams still have the personnel to prevail, and I believe Matthew Stafford will elevate his team Monday night more than Garoppolo will elevate his.
That said, I don't trust Stafford to throw for more than about 225 yards. Dump-offs to Cam Akers, Darrell Henderson, and Tyler Higbee seem more likely than Allen Robinson cracking 4-45. Hard to bet against Cooper Kupp, obviously. Still, I'm envisioning a very human-looking Stafford operating relatively conservatively in a battle for field position.
For the Niners, I'm biased, at least for one night. Dreamt last night that Deebo Samuel crushed it, and I'm facing Deebo in the Premier Fantasy Football League (good luck, Tommy). I need George Kittle to step up and keep things close between those two.
So . . . I think my dream says everything I need to say. If I didn't think Deebo would have a good game, I wouldn't be anxious about him having a good game. If you have Deebo, 16+ points seems realistic. For Kittle, 8+ points seems realistic. I don't see how Jimmy can feed both of them and Brandon Aiyuk.
One other thing to consider: L.A. has been pretty stingy against the run. I like Jimmy targeting Wilson 3+ times to help get the running game going. The Rams have given up only one rushing score, so don't be surprised if Wilson's used more than usual through the air, including near the goal line.
Leave your prediction below. Should be a great game. Good luck if you're still in the running for a W.