The Rams visit the 49ers for a Thursday Night Football divisional matchup in Week 15. Kickoff Thursday night from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. pacific time on Amazon Prime Video (also available locally on FOX 11).
In advance of the contest, here are 3 Keys to Winning for the Rams, presented by The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani (CallJacob.com).
1) Keep the run game momentum going
An efficient run game not only keeps the offense ahead of the sticks, but also opens up the play-action game that has made quarterback Matthew Stafford lethal. San Francisco's run defense appears most impacted by that unit's injuries, given the performances by Green Bay and Buffalo in those lopsided results.
2) Limit Kittle and Jennings' impact
Tight end George Kittle was inactive for the first matchup in Week 3. Now healthy, he's coming off one of his best performances of the season against the Bears, posting six catches for 151 yards.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings was active in Week 3, however, and had a massive game – 11 catches for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns. Against the Bears, he had seven catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns.
Keeping the 49ers' offense in check starts with mitigating the impact those two have on the game, as quarterback Brody Purdy has consistently fed them targets since top receiver Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7.
3) Win the special teams battle
San Francisco's field goal unit has had its challenges, and Los Angeles has dealt with its fair share this season, too. Whether it's converting on those attempts, or finding other ways to impact the game like last week's blocked punt returned for a touchdown, this game could come down to whichever team executes better on special teams.
It made a difference in Week 3, and likely will again in Week 15.
