HOW THEY MATCH UP
RAMS (11-4) VS. SAN FRANCISCO (5-10)
When Rams have the ball
With a playoff game looming next week, coach Sean McVay will hold out quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley, left tackle Andrew Whitworth, center John Sullivan and, probably, starting receivers Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins and Cooper Kupp. Sean Mannion, a third-year pro from Oregon State, will make his first NFL start at quarterback. Mannion completed two of three passes for 16 yards this season. Gurley’s absence denies Mannion the benefit of having the league’s top rusher and the Rams’ receptions leader at his disposal. Tavon Austin, who has rushed for 246 yards and a touchdown, could get much of the work along with Malcolm Brown, who has rushed for 192 yards and a touchdown in 49 carries. That creates opportunity for second-year pro Mike Thomas, rookie Josh Reynolds and, possibly, Pharoh Cooper, though McVay might choose to keep Cooper, a Pro Bowl return specialist, out of harm’s way as much as possible. Reynolds has nine receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown, Thomas two catches for 18 yards. Tight end Tyler Higbee has 25 catches. Cornerback Dontae Johnson has a team-best 72 tackles for the 49ers, and he returned an interception for a touchdown last week against Jacksonville.
When 49ers have the ball
The 49ers and first-year coach Kyle Shanahan were in the hunt for the No. 1 pick in the draft until they acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots in a late October trade. Garoppolo has started the last four games, and the 49ers have won them all. He is completing 69% of his passes, five for touchdowns, with three interceptions. Running back Carlos Hyde has rushed for 850 yards and six touchdowns and also has a team-best 57 catches for 340 yards. Receiver Pierre Garcon was placed on injured reserve in early November because of a neck injury. Tight end Garrett Celek has 20 catches, four for touchdowns. Marquise Goodwin has 54 catches, one for a touchdown, but was limited in practice this week. Trent Taylor has two touchdown catches. Rams tackle Aaron Donald, who has 11 sacks, and linebackers Mark Barron and Alec Ogletree are among the defensive players who will be held out to heal or avoid injuries. Cory Littleton will start in place of Barron for the second game in a row. Littleton intercepted a pass and recorded a sack in last week’s victory at Tennessee. Bryce Hager will start in place of Ogletree. Defensive end Morgan Fox is among others expected to get significant playing time.
When they kick
Sam Ficken, signed to replace injured Greg Zuerlein, initially struggled in his NFL debut for the Rams. He missed field-goal and extra-point attempts against the Titans before converting three extra points. Pro Bowl punter Johnny Hekker is averaging 47.8 yards per kick. Cooper averages 27.4 yards per kickoff return, 13.1 yards per punt return. Robbie Gould has made 37 of 39 fieldgoal attempts for the 49ers. Bradley Pinion averages 43.4 yards per punt. Victor Bolden returns kickoffs, Taylor punts.
Gary Klein’s prediction
On a day when the Rams will wear throwback uniforms, star players will be on the sideline rather than in the game so that they can be physically sound for next week’s playoff game. Meantime, the 49ers are looking for their fifth consecutive victory. 49ERS 24, RAMS 20