Will San Francisco end its three-game losing streak?
The San Francisco 49ers are back from their BYE Week and getting set to take on the Los Angeles Rams. The Niners got some much-needed rest after losing their previous three games by a combined 41 points.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s job hasn’t been easy this season. San Francisco has lost several key players to injuries, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The 49ers are expected to get Richard Sherman, Raheem Mostert, and Jeff Wilson Jr. back in the lineup, while Deebo Samuel and Tevin Coleman also have a shot at playing.
Unfortunately, the Niners could be missing some crucial pieces with several team members on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
The Rams are 7-3 after beating Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Quarterback Jared Goff threw the ball a ton, going 39-of-51 for 376 yards and three scores.
San Francisco is going for its fourth win in a row over Los Angeles. The 49ers swept both meetings last season and beat the Rams 24-16 in Week 6.
Here are the predictions for Week 12 from Niners Nation contributors:
Kyle Posey: The 49ers are well-equipped to face any of their divisional opponents. As we saw the last time the Niners faced the Rams, San Francisco can move the ball without asking their quarterback to do too much. As we’ve learned over the past few weeks, Nick Mullens and taking care of the football aren’t synonymous. You cannot hide turnovers against quality teams, which the Rams are.
The defense has held their own, and they’re going to face a Rams offense that has a lot more confidence this time around. A rejuvenated 49ers defense after a bye should have new wrinkles and hopefully a better pass-rush. Like the Buccaneers, the front-7 should control the line of scrimmage and stop the Rams running game. Unlike Tampa Bay, the 49ers have to guard Cooper Kupp. If they do that, they’ll give the offense a chance.
We know Shanahan will have the offense ready after a bye week. Having Raheem Mostert should give the team a significant boost, as will having Deebo Samuel back. I’m not sure if we’ll see Trent Williams, and that makes Mullens’s life that much harder. San Francisco keeps it close, but McVay gets the best of Saleh this time around.
Kyle’s prediction: Rams 26, 49ers 20.
Rob Guerrera: There are very logical reasons why the 49ers could win this game. Good players should be returning to the field, and the 49ers’ coaching staff has had extra time to prepare. Unfortunately, the simple fact for San Francisco is that if everyone on the field plays exactly the way they’ve been playing, the Rams are better in too many areas for the 49ers to overcome. San Francisco doesn’t take care of the ball on offense and cannot deal with pressure on the quarterback. Until that changes, the losing will continue.
Rob’s prediction: LA wins, 30-13
Jas Kang: This game is going to be interesting. If the reserve/COVID-19 list doesn’t hamstring the 49ers, it will be a winnable game. The running game will be a lot better with Mostert back, and the secondary will be sharper with Sherman back in the fold. The entire team needed the BYE Week, and it gave Shanahan some extra time to prepare for the Rams, who are coming off a short week where they traveled to the other side of the country. If Mullens can be semi-competent, the Niners will be in this game until the end. San Francisco’s playoff chances are hanging in the balance, and I believe the 49ers will come out strong with the returning players. Aaron Donald might be angry after failing to record a tackle in back-to-back games, so the offensive line will have to do its part against the stingy Rams defensive line. I think it comes down to the final minutes, but the 49ers stay in the playoff picture with a big win.
Jas’ prediction: SF wins, 24-20
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