Rest or risk it? That is the question facing both the 49ers and Rams as they prepare for Sunday’s meeting in Thousand Oaks.
Since 1990, these teams have met 141 times, building into an intense rivalry that includes two NFC West titles between them. Los Angeles welcomed back its team last season, reinvigorating this matchup geographically.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams started off the year on a losing note, but quickly rebounded with two dominating wins against Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants. Led by Jared Goff and Todd Gurley’s playmakers Jared Goff and Todd Gurley respectively, analysts began drawing comparisons between Los Angeles’ performances now and those seen during “Greatest Show on Turf” teams from late 1990s/early 2000s.
Defense continued its impressive play in a 24-10 win against Washington Football Team, while Aaron Donald gave an amazing performance against Miami Dolphins in Week 15 in Week 15. Sacking Jimmy Garoppolo mid-throw and intercepting him late in the fourth quarter prevented any attempt by Miami to mount a comeback attempt and sealed Los Angeles’ victory.
Greg Zuerlein kicked a last-second field goal to give Los Angeles a one-point win against New Orleans Saints in Week 16. Los Angeles were without quarterback Matthew Stafford, running back Kyren Williams and cornerback Ernest Jones who all remain injured players.
San Francisco 49ers
Even though they ended with a losing record, the 49ers made significant strides forward this season. Alex Smith once again demonstrated his ability as a solid starter while Frank Gore earned four consecutive 100-yard seasons. They also boast a talented group of wide receivers led by Antonio Bryant as well as an experienced linebacking corps led by Javon Hargrave.
The 49ers have nothing left to play for in their regular-season finale after already locking up first place in the NFC and homefield advantage for playoffs thanks to Sunday’s 27-10 victory against Washington Commanders, so key players may opt to rest for now; but potentially setting a franchise record with 10 straight victories against Los Angeles Rams could provide extra motivation.
Deebo Samuel told Up & Adams on Tuesday that most of San Francisco’s starters will take part in this game, even though many have nothing left to prove in it. Running back Christian McCaffrey may be limited due to a strained calf injury; therefore Jordan Mason and Tyrion Davis-Price would serve as viable backup options.
NFC West
NFC West will likely be decided during this weekend’s regular-season finale at Levi’s Stadium with San Francisco 49ers winning against Los Angeles Rams to earn first seed and home field advantage throughout playoffs.
That means head coach Kyle Shanahan will likely rest some of his starters while simultaneously prepping defensive and special teams coordinators to deal with Sean McVay’s ingenuity on offense, turning this game into something of a glorified exhibition.
However, two teams in their division remain in contention for playoff spots: Seattle could secure one through victory over Rams and Green Bay loss; Arizona Cardinals can get in with either victory against Cowboys or Vikings loss against Packers.
Regular-season finale
With their win already secure in the NFC, reports indicate that the Rams may rest key players against the 49ers in their regular-season finale. There may be good reason for doing so; but ultimately it will come down to head coach Sean McVay to decide.
McVay will likely base his decision on how much is at stake for his players in the playoffs. Since reform of the league format began, sixth seeds have won one out of every three playoff games while seventh seeds have not managed any victories at all.
McVay may opt to rest starting quarterback Brock Purdy and running backs Christian McCaffrey and Cooper Kupp, in addition to giving rookie receiver Puka Nacua some playing time after an impressive rookie campaign. Elijah Mitchell should see an increased workload as well; however, this could be limited due to a mild calf strain suffered against the Commanders on Sunday.
